YORK City midfielder Tom Platt could be recalled to Bootham Crescent in the new year even if Harrogate Town earn themselves a glamorous FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough.

Blue Square Bet North outfit Harrogate are hoping to secure a third-round trip to 2006 UEFA Cup finalists Boro by beating replay foes Hastings United tonight (7.45pm).

The winners will take on their Championship hosts during the first weekend of January, by which time City first-year professional Platt is due back at Bootham Crescent following the expiry of his loan spell at Wetherby Road.

Minstermen chief Gary Mills has not ruled out an extension to Platt’s stay, but added that he would only do that if it is in the interests of his club.

He said: “It will be a decision to be made nearer the time but, if we bring him back, it will be for the right reasons and because he’s a York City player.”

Mills has been pleased, however, with the exposure to men’s football that Platt has received at Harrogate with the teenage midfielder having netted five times, including a goal during the initial game with Hastings, since making the switch to Town in November.

“I’m delighted for him,” Mills said of Platt’s loan success. “He’s growing up and we are continuing to see a difference in him during training. It’s all about bringing young lads on the right way. He’s getting the experience of regular games, which is better than him being here and not playing.”

Platt goes into tonight’s away game fresh from scoring twice in Town’s 2-1 win at Colwyn Bay in Blue Square Bet North on Saturday.

Harrogate will be without defender Alan White, who is suspended following his dismissal in the FA Trophy defeat by Gainsborough last month.