Shock return for former striker

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Former striker Michael Rankine has completed a surprise return to York City on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old hasn't actually scored for current club Aldershot Town since a Capital One Cup tie at Wolverhampton Wanderers back in August - a run of 25 games, including three whilst on loan at Conference leaders Grimsby Town.

Rankine previously netted 24 goals in 103 appearances during a two-year spell at York and following his £10,000 arrival from Rushden & Diamonds - a deal that witnessed Craig Farrell moving in the opposite direction. However, with firm ambitions of returning to the Football League the powerfully built Doncaster-born centre-forward joined Aldershot in June 2011.

After originally beginning his career at Scunthorpe United, Rankine had further spells with Alfreton Town and AFC Bournemouth (loan) but it was at Rushden and then York where he enjoyed his best returns.

The deal is subject to clearance from the Football League and the Football Association and is the second completed by the Minstermen this week after midfielder John McGrath arrived from Burton Albion.

* YORK CITY FC * PLAY-OFF WINNERS 2012 * FA TROPHY WINNERS 2012 * YORK CITY FC * PLAY-OFF WINNERS 2012 * FA TROPHY WINNERS 2012 * YORK CITY FC * PLAY-OFF WINNERS 2012 * FA TROPHY WINNERS 2012 * YORK CITY FC * PLAY-OFF WINNERS 2012 * FA TROPHY WINNERS 2012 *

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