JOHN ASKEY has hailed winger Maziar Kouhyar’s contribution as “invaluable” this season for York City.

Kouhyar has enjoyed a superb start to the Vanarama National League campaign, scoring one goal and notching six assists, the second-most in the division, from his first 11 matches.

The Afghanistan international also ranks fifth in terms of cross accuracy (42.31 per cent) and has the joint-most second-assists in the fifth tier (three).

“Maz has done well,” enthused manager Askey.

“I think he wants to score one or two more goals and he’s had opportunities to score, but his contribution has been invaluable.

“I think he’s enjoying his football, that’s the main thing and hopefully if he can get one or two goals, it’d be even better.”

Kouhyar established himself as an out-and-out winger last season, with his lightning speed a key feature in breaking down defences.

This term however City have utilised a back five, altering the wideman's role.

“He’s playing in midfield now, that’s where he plays with a back three, that’s why he’s picking up more central positions,” explained Askey.

“He’s harder to mark in that role, so that’s benefitting him and the team.”

Although the 25-year-old made 21 appearances in Sky Bet League One for Walsall as a squad player, this is his first taste of life in the fifth tier.

Askey added: “Maz was only young (then), and I think he only had a few games in League football.

"But the majority of the players have been involved with League teams. There’s very few that haven’t played at National League level.

“They’re all experienced, but we’ve got the young lads as well who seem as though they’re getting better such as Dan Pybus and Olly Dyson, he’s had a great start to the season.

“At the moment, it’s going well, but we can always do better.”