THE prospect of an Ollie Pearce and Josh Stones partnership excites York City manager Adam Hinshelwood.

Prior to York’s FA Trophy match at Gainsborough Trinity, the club confirmed the signing of Stones from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, after it was reported that City had won the race for the highly-touted striker on Friday afternoon.

Stones was ineligible for the Gainsborough defeat due to being cup-tied, with his debut potentially coming in York’s trip to Maidenhead United next Saturday (3pm).

Hinshelwood explained what supporters can expect from their newest addition, and even admitted that he wished he was available during that 1-0 defeat to Gainsborough.

The boss commented: “I just think that in the game like today [Saturday], he’s the difference.

“He relishes that battle, it was a bit more physicality today and I think he’ll suit that.

“He likes to play off of the shoulder and I think he could be a real good player alongside Ollie Pearce.

“Pearce is clever and likes to drop in, Josh is a bit more off of the shoulder and is someone that we can play up to a little bit more.

“He’s a bit more of a physical presence down the middle and I’m really excited to getting to work with him this week.”

Stones’ addition brings a slight headache to the management team with York only using a single striker formation so far this season, meaning that Pearce could potentially be shifted out wide, or played as part of a front two.

It’s something that Hinshelwood hopes to test with the boss praising Pearce's intelligence for his versatility.

“They can play together, Ollie can play from the wing and roll into a different position so that we can get a full-back to go around him.

“Within the formation we have been playing, he can fit.

“Josh and Ollie can play together as well as a two, so we’ve got a lot of options as we like to play with our wide players as well.

“There’s lots of options, Ollie’s such a clever player as he has shown this year that he can play in a variety of positions and Josh is a bit more of an out-and-out number nine.

“I’m really excited to see them working together.”