YORK City have signed Hungarian hulk Janos Kovacs in a bid to bolster their defence.

The Chesterfield centre-back, who stands 6ft 4in tall and weighs in at 14 stone 10lbs, has been signed on a one-month loan deal and could make his full debut in tomorrow's home match with Forest Green Rovers.

Kovacs, 21, joined the Spireites on a two-year loan deal from MTK Budapest in August 2005 but has seen his first-team opportunities limited to just 16 outings over the last 18 months.

The former Hungarian Under-20 international has made six first-team appearances this season, including two League One starts, with his last run-out coming in the 1-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on February 2.

Kovacs, who started out at Hungarian second division side Bodajik, has a reputation for being excellent in the air which could enhance his prospects with the Minstermen following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Dagenham and Redbridge where both headed goals were conceded from set-pieces.

City boss Billy McEwan has also recruited teenage Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Paul O'Donnell on work experience.

O'Donnell, 18, is yet to make his senior debut for the Owls although he travelled with the Hillsborough club on last summer's USA tour and also played in a pre-season friendly at Burton.

He has appeared on the bench for Wednesday this season but is currently behind on-loan Premiership pair Mark Crossley and Iain Turner in the pecking order for places.

He will replace Arran Reid, who left city this week, on the bench.

About his double swoop, McEwan said: "Janos is a Hungarian boy who speaks better English than I do. We've got one or two knocks and he will add to our squad which is what we need.

"I've seen him a couple of times and have good reports from people I know in that neck of the woods. He played in their first team when he first came over so he's performed at a decent standard.

"I've seen Richard play for Sheffield Wednesday and have been impressed by him. He's a big boy for his age and Wednesday think a lot of him and feel he has a good career ahead of him so we are grateful to them for his services. He will work with Tom (Evans) and we will take it from there."

McEwan has also asked his players to start becoming wiser as the club enters the final two months of the regulation season.

He said: "I've got no complaints concerning the players' effort and determination but I want them to be a bit smarter in certain situations. We've been a bit naïve at certain times and I need them to keep learning."

About Forest Green's threat, McEwan added: "They caused us problems at their place and Jim Harvey has got them better organised. They're a lot stronger than last season and will be a decent outfit."

Tomorrow's squads

City (probable): Evans, Craddock, Kovacs, McGurk, Lloyd, Farrell, Panther, Bishop, Bowey, Brodie, Donaldson. Subs: O'Donnell, Woolford, Elvins, McMahon, Parslow.

Forest Green (probable): Robinson, Hardiker, Jones, Pitman, Nicholson, Clist, Brough, Beesley, Giles, Carey-Bertram, Afful. Subs: Stonehouse, Lamb, Dodgson, Preece, Harrison.

Referee: Ian Smedley (Derby).

Kick-off: 3pm.