YORK City boss Billy McEwan praised on-loan striker Daniel McBreen's "fantastic attitude" after his return to Championship club Scunthorpe United this morning.

McBreen turned in a man-of-the-match display for the Minstermen during his farewell appearance in last night's impressive 4-1 Blue Square Premier victory at Farsley Celtic, scoring one goal and claiming an assist as super-sub Craig Farrell bagged a brace.

McBreen's first-half strike took his tally to two in five matches during a productive one-month stay at KitKat Crescent, but Ben May's return to Millwall after a loan spell at Scunthorpe means the 30-year-old forward is now required back at Glanford Park.

McEwan is disappointed that the Australian striker has been recalled but praised his contribution over the last four weeks, saying: "Scunthorpe are calling him back which is a bit disappointing, as I thought we might get him for another month or two.

"He has had his chance of first-team football and probably found out that Conference football is not as easy as he might have thought, but he's been a credit to Scunthorpe United.

"He's worked his socks off in every game and not come in and strutted about as some players might have done from a higher level.

"He's mucked in with the boys and been part of the group and a delight to work with."

McEwan is now considering looking for forward reinforcements following McBreen's departure, although Farrell further pushed his claims for a starting position after bagging a late brace.

The former Exeter forward struck on 81 and 87 minutes to secure victory at Throstle Nest after Paul Brayson had earlier joined McBreen on the scoresheet.

Farrell's double strike took his tally to five in two substitute outings during City's last two games and McEwan said: "He's been out a long time with the thigh injury and we are nursing him along steadily so he does not break down. His attitude has been first class and I'm pleased for him and the team."

The Minstermen have now netted ten times in their last two games and McEwan felt his side played some "sublime" attacking football.

He said: "Some of our forward movement was excellent and, it's probably being too critical, but we should have had the ball in the net more times in the first half. Our build up for all the goals was different class and there were patches in the game when our football was sublime."

McEwan also praised the 833 fans who made the journey to Farsley despite the game being televised by Setanta.

He added: "They really got behind the team and the players said how pleasing it was to run out and hear our fans cheering so loud at an away ground."

The City boss added that Alex Meechan has been released by the club after coming to the end of his short-term contract.

McEwan said: "He did okay for us and scored the winner against Halifax but we had a chat and he understands the situation. We've had a good look at him but things are tight budget wise and it's not fair on him to keep an experienced player who is playing for the reserves or sat on the bench."