John Askey is heading back to a club he spent less than a year with, when York City travel to Shrewsbury Town in the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

York won promotion back to the National League via the playoffs last season, and Askey has got them off to a flyer in the division, sitting just outside the playoffs.

Salop also take up a mid-table position in League One, but like the Minstermen, their form of late has been poor.

City's last outing was a home defeat against Southend, which left them without a win in three, so the break from league action couldn't come much sooner.

"(The cup tie) probably comes at a good time, then we can regroup. Obviously, it's a free hit and hopefully we can go there and put up a good performance.

"I'm sure we'll go there and give a good account of ourselves."

  • FA Cup Preparation

The City gaffer previewed a huge game, which sees him return to his former club.

"You prepare as you would for any other game. Obviously, there's less pressure in the cup, than there is in the league. It's just one that players always look forward to, with it being the FA Cup.

"It's just another game that we want to win. No matter who you play against, you want to win and it's no different on Saturday.

"It'll be a tough one for us, but one we're looking forward to."

  • On Shrewsbury

Despite recording just a single win in their last five, Minstermen boss Askey was full of praise for the Shropshire opponents, and told how reaching the Third Round can have a massive impact.

"They are a good League One club, and have done well to stay in there for so long, so full credit to how the football club is run.

"Even for clubs like Shrewsbury, the money that you can generate (from reaching the Third Round) can make a difference to them, and they won't lose sight of that.

"The manager, and the people behind the scenes will be pushing and making them realize the importance of the games. But as I say for ourselves, it wasn't a great draw, but it's the one that hopefully we can go there and get a result."

  • Team News

Right-back Michael Duckworth has been sidelined since matchday one, but has made a quicker return than anticipated, with him playing a County Cup game last week.

Midfielder Paddy Mclaughlin also appeared, his first start this season, alongside Fraser Kerr, who has been out for a few weeks.

"(Michael Duckworth) is very close now. Obviously, he's got his first game, and as results going as they are, then he's a lot closer than what we maybe thought he would be.

"There's also Paddy McLaughlin, and Fraser (Kerr) who was on the bench again, against Southend, so it gives everybody an opportunity."

Askey discussed knocks suffered in the last outing, with some uncertainty around match fitness.

"We've just got to assess Max (Kouogun), Lenny (John-Lewis) and Nathan (Thomas), but we won't know really until Friday, whether they'll be fit enough."