FORMER York City defender Graeme Law has told his old club not to expect an easy match against his current employers Tamworth on Saturday.

The 22-year-old right-back returned to training today in a bid to face City after missing the Lambs' last three matches because of a hamstring problem.

Tamworth were beaten twice by the Minstermen last season and only escaped relegation because of Canvey Island's demise but Law believes the Staffordshire side are now better equipped for Billy McEwan's men - with or without his services.

Law said: "I think it will be a close game because both teams have had some good results this season. We have beaten Grays and Exeter and York have just lost to St Albans so it proves there's not a huge difference in the league.

"We're just one win away from being mid-table and I don't think the league positions are giving a true reflection yet because we are one of a number of teams bunched up on 16 points. The squad here is also stronger now than in the last couple of years when there was not really any depth.

"Once, when I came here with York, they (Tamworth) could only name three substitutes but that's not a problem any more. You look at the bench now and it's strong.

"Some players can't even get into the first 16 and that's great for a small club like us."

Tamworth have seen off Stevenage, as well as Grays and Exeter, at their compact Lamb Ground already this season and, despite sitting 20th, boast the best home record in the bottom eight and have accumulated more points in front of their own fans than top-half teams Burton, Morecambe, Grays and Stafford.

Law added: "I wouldn't say we are a different proposition at home. I think it's more a matter of being a bit unlucky in away games but it was quite an intimidating place to come to as a York player because the fans are on top of you."

The former Scotland Under-19 international, who still lives in York, made his full debut for City during their penultimate Football League match and went on to play 35 games for City before joining Scottish first division side Dundee midway through last season as his opportunities at KitKat Crescent grew limited.

Despite leaving City, he admitted he would be "chuffed to bits" if the play-off chasing Minstermen clinched a return to the Football League this season.

About his feelings for his former club, Law said: "York City will always be a big part of me because I supported the club as a boy and played for them for more than ten years. I think they have every chance of getting promotion and I would be chuffed to bits if they got back in the League because there's no doubt that's where they should be.

"I was disappointed to leave but it was time to move on and I think I'm a better player now. I went to Dundee and was on the bench in a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park in front of 25,000 fans."