Former York City striker Clayton Donaldson can't wait to face his old club when Crewe Alexandra visit KitKat Crescent in the FA Cup this weekend.

Donaldson is currently two games into a return to action after fracturing a fibula in August, the latest of which was as a substitute in the weekend 4-0 victory at Cheltenham Town.

And upon discovering that the FA Cup draw had paired his current club with his former employers, Donaldson told the Press: “It was quite exciting really because I had good times at York and it’s always nice to go back to your old ground and play your former team. I’m not too sure what kind of reception I will get.

“It might be mixed – or go one way or the other and, to be fair, I don’t want to think about that too much. It will just be nice to see some old team-mates and staff and I’ll also have a few family and friends there.

“York played a big part in my career and I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me. I have the utmost respect for the club and they will always be in my heart because I achieved quite a few things with them.

“They were like a stepping-stone for me and I would not be where I am now without their input."

And 25-year-old Donaldson is clearly hoping to impress if given the chance in what would be his first opportunity to face his former club at the weekend.

“The manager (Dario Gradi) even watched me while I was playing for York and all the staff know my background, so I’m sure that will be in their minds," he reflected. "I used to enjoy playing at the ground and players normally do well against their old teams, but we’ll have to see what the manager does.

“It’s only my third game back after breaking my leg nine weeks ago but it would be nice to play some part and, if I’m on the bench, I will be itching to get on even if it’s just for a few minutes.

“I’d rather be in the first XI, but I’m not up to match fitness. I’m still a bit sore in my muscles and tendons after training and games because I’ve not had much match play but, anybody who knows me, knows if I’m asked to play I will do.”