ADAM HINSHELWOOD explained the decision to extend the loan deal of Luca Thomas.

Thomas, who initially joined one-month ago, had his loan stay with York City extended until January 2 after a bright start to his spell away from parent club Leeds United.

Having scored on his debut in a 4-0 victory over rock bottom Ebbsfleet United, Thomas would go on to have an impact in the 3-1 victory over Barnet on the following Tuesday.

His early impression earned starts against both FC Halifax Town and Wycombe Wanderers, in which Adam Hinshelwood felt the young striker struggled, before a brief cameo against Hartlepool United.

Hinshelwood has been happy with what he has seen so far from the Leeds loanee, even labelling Thomas as ‘one of the best finishers at the club’, with the City manager hoping he can continue to make an impact for the remainder of his loan spell.

“I really like Luca, he’s a great lad first and foremost,” Hinshelwood told the Press.

“He trains well, his finishing is excellent and is one of the best that we have got at the club.

“He’s probably been a bit unlucky, Ollie Pearce has found form just at the time that he has come into the club.

“He’s been a bit unlucky in the games that he has played in, in terms of Halifax where he probably played in a bit of a wider position which was new to him.

RECOMMENDED READING:

“He started against Wycombe, which against League One opposition, was a tough afternoon for him.

“I really like his attitude and he has shown a real determination that he wants to start and do well for the club.

“All the players that we have got should be showing determination that they want to be starting games, they’re good people and we’re really delighted to have him on board.”

Thomas was initially brought into the club following a long-term injury to Lenell John-Lewis, who at the time was York’s top scorer.

John-Lewis is nearing a return after a return to light training, giving Hinshelwood a potential extra option in his forward line.

Hinshelwood spoke on the similarities between both Thomas and John-Lewis, confirming that the former would be needed ahead of three matches in seven days.

“Len’s obviously doing well, he’s back running, which is good.

“You need that firepower, we’ve got Dipo [Akinyemi], we’ve got Luca, we’ve got Ollie, who are all players that are number nines and like to play through the middle.

“Ollie can play in different positions and so can Dips, but Luca likes to be that number nine and leads the line. We feel that he can really do that at this level for us, it’s just a matter of being patient and waiting for that opportunity to come.

“With three games next week, I envisage him to start at least one of them.

“It’s down to him to show his determination and the quality that he has been showing in training, put it into practice in a match and get a run of games under his belt.”

One player who won't be staying with York is that of former Swansea City and Forest Green Rovers winger Jordan Garrick.

Garrick had been on trial with the club, after finding himself as a free agent, playing in behind-closed-doors friendlies and training with the first-team.

However, Garrick has since left York due to the arrival of David Ajiboye.

“Jordan’s not [training with City], no.

“Unfortunately we didn’t decide to sign him, we obviously had the option of getting David Ajiboye on loan and they are quite similar players.

“We just felt that David was a bit more suited to us.”

On the outgoing front, York defender Levi Andoh recently made the loan switch to National League South Truro City.

Truro, who are currently managed by former City boss John Askey, have recruited from the Minstermen with the likes of Sam Sanders and Scott Burgess making the switch to the sixth tier club in recent years.

Hinshelwood explained the loan process which saw Andoh make the almost 400 mile change to Cornwall, as well as how it would be a good opportunity for the defender to gain regular minutes.

Hinshelwood told BBC York: “It’s ultimately down to the player, he’s going to be limited for his game time with us and it’s important for these lads that they go and play.

“Thierry [Latty-Fairweather] has gone out and is getting game time and is doing well, Levi will be the same and he needs to be getting game time.

“It’s ultimately down to the player, but he’s seen it as a good opportunity to get regular game time and they promised him that.

“It will do him the world of good, the same with Thierry, it’s done him good to go out and play.

“It’s more down to the player, Macca [Tony McMahon, Director of Football] works hard speaking to these clubs and trying to sort out loan moves and then it’s ultimately down to the player to decide.”