YORK City club captain Steve Davis is poised to make his first start in six months at Tamworth tomorrow.

Davis, who played for the last ten minutes of Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat at Halifax, could make his second appearance since September at the Lamb Ground to counter the home team's physical and aerial presence.

The 6ft 2in defender's height will be even more crucial for the Minstermen should "tall guys" Andy Bishop and Paul Groves both be missing.

Top scorer Bishop was involved in a car accident on Wednesday and City boss Billy McEwan is keen to assess his mental and physical condition before selecting his side.

Centre-back Groves, 39, has also missed a full week's training after being called up for jury service.

McEwan is expecting a tough encounter at Tamworth, having watched Tuesday night's Conference clash at Scarborough after which home manager Nick Henry complained that his team were "kicked off the pitch."

The Minstermen boss said: "That game was like a war zone. At times I thought I was in Beiruit and there were three trainers on the pitch at one stage.

"Tamworth have three or four big players. They are a powerful side and we have got to think of ways to eliminate that. We will look at the team and get our game plan right.

"I don't think it will be any easier than our recent games against Exeter. Obviously, they are not as good a team football wise as Exeter, but battling wise they will provide a difficult proposition because they are more direct and physical.

"If Andy Bishop isn't available it gives us a height problem so we might have to pick the team accordingly. They throw the ball 40 yards into your box and throw-ins are almost like corners.

"Steve Davis' experience is vital to us and we've also had a situation where Paul Groves has not been able to train all week, which isn't ideal preparation for any professional so we will be looking at him closely."

McEwan is expected to keep faith with on-loan Doncaster Rovers striker Ben Jackson despite an open goal miss in front of the television cameras at the Shay, saying: "He's got a lot of desire and was very unfortunate with the chance because on a dry night the ball would have gone in. I am hoping it doesn't affect him.

"I've had a chat with him and top strikers keep going even if they miss opportunities. He might not have been used to playing in a wide position but we've worked on that with him."

Shaun Smith is also expected to keep his place at left back as he continues to enjoy an upturn in his Minstermen career under McEwan.

The City boss said: "Shaun's an experienced player who's done OK since coming in and we will see if he can sustain it. Sean Davies had his chance and probably got a bit tired mentally and we had to fetch him out as you do with youngsters."

Injury and illness means McEwan is yet to see Bryan Stewart in action and the teenage winger will be unavailable for selection again tomorrow because of a family bereavement.

Updated: 10:16 Friday, March 18, 2005