ANTHONY STRAKER will not be heading back to Southend United with York City this weekend after agreeing a loan switch to Scottish Premier League side Motherwell.

Straker left the Shrimpers to join York at the end of last season.

But, after failing to nail down a starting slot with the Minstermen, the winger has now headed north of the border until the end of the season.

And York boss Russ Wilcox insisted Straker was keen to leave to secure more regular first team football.

“Anthony has been frustrated, like a few other players, but I can only select 11 of them,” said Wilcox.

“When I came here he was injured, so I’ve not seen much of him and it’s important for his career that he plays some football.

“I know he started the season well but it’s been a bit stop-start since.

“He played 50 games last season for Southend and figured in both games against Scunthorpe and played really well.

“I thought it was a terrific signing for York City when he was brought here in the summer, but injuries have taken their toll.

“He’s had a recurrence of a groin problem and not got going, so this will be a fresh challenge for him. “