New City stopper Matt Duke believes he can carry on playing until he is 40.

Phil Parkinson reckons the 34-year-old is a “good age” for a goalkeeper.

Duke wants to move in to coaching eventually but insists there is plenty to play for first.

He said: “I had the opportunity to do a player-coach role but I didn’t think the time was right. I want to be a goalkeeping coach when I finish.

“I’d like to play until I’m 40. I look after myself right and keep myself fit so I see no reason why I haven’t got another six years in me.”

The former Hull keeper is ready for the physical challenge of League Two football. After sampling life in the top two divisions, he knows it will be different.

“You can expect a lot more crosses in Leagues One and Two.

“The play is generally on the floor in the Premier League so there aren’t so many balls in the box.

“Obviously you’ve got a couple of more direct teams like Blackburn and Stoke but you don’t get that every week.

“But I’ve played a lot at lower levels than this (for Burton) so I know it’s a physical game. I’ve just come here to play every week.

“I’m from Sheffield and I follow the Yorkshire clubs. I know what Bradford have been through and it would be good to achieve something here.”

Duke had been training with Sheffield United but his chances of landing a contract there hinged on the cash-strapped Blades losing players first.

He added: “I had a few other offers but nothing ever felt right.

“It was frustrating but if I didn’t feel happy I wouldn’t have played well on the pitch.

“Then this one came along and I was happy to take it.

“And it’s always nice when you’ve worked with someone before because you know what they’re all about.”

Duke’s capture was a priority for his old boss Parkinson. The City chief says the goalkeeper has joined the club for all the right reasons.

“When I came in, I looked at the squad and there was a lot of inexperience.

“I spoke to Matt and told him that I wanted him to come here to push on in his career.

“The beauty of this club when you are speaking to players is that they see the potential is there.

“It’s not a great financial thing for Matt. He had other offers that I imagine would have earned him more money.

“He’s a 100 per cent genuine lad who really wants to come here and get his career going again. He wants to be part of something.”

Duke will start in goal tomorrow as City look to halt Morecambe’s four-game winning run.

Parkinson said: “It’s a big challenge and any team going that well is a good side. But I’m confident we’ll give a very good account of ourselves on Saturday and build on the good things from the last two games.”

Having missed out with a bid for Charlton’s Paul Benson, Parkinson will resume his striker hunt when the emergency loan market reopens on Wednesday.

“We could have taken one or two on deadline day but the players have to fit what we want.”