Michael Collins has completed a month's loan move to York City.

The midfielder made 43 appearances last season, triggering a 12-month extension on his contract.

But the former Scunthorpe United player was told in August he was not in the plans as United looked to promote their younger players.

It was initially hoped a permanent move could be arranged, but nothing suitable arose before the transfer window shut.

While United have not had any trouble loaning out four young players in the past fortnight, Collins has been more problematic.

However, this morning a deal was done with the Minstermen, who United beat 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Head coach Michael Appleton explained why it had taken longer to finalise a deal for Collins.

He said: “I’m a little bit surprised (it’s taken this long), but like a lot of things it comes down to financials.

“He’s an experienced player and rightly so he earns more than some of the young players that are out of the building.

“There will be a lot of people who admire Michael’s abilities, but they might have someone they need to get out before they can bring him in.”

Almost two months have passed since Collins was told he had no future at United and Appleton praised the 29-year-old’s attitude in a difficult time.

He said: “He’s still training and there’s no issues at all.

“He’s been the perfect professional and there’s no reason for him not to be, because I’ve told him straight.

“I think players accept it a bit more when you do that.”