YORK City striker Andy Bishop was in hospital yesterday after being involved in a car accident.

The Minstermen's top scorer was not seriously injured in the crash but was 'shook up' and may have suffered a touch of whiplash.

Bishop was travelling to training yesterday from his Cannock home when his car was involved in a collision with a car driven by a female, who is not believed to have been seriously injured either.

Manager Billy McEwan is now waiting to hear whether City's ten-goal marksman will be fit to face Tamworth on Saturday.

He said: "Andy was in hospital yesterday getting checked out. I think he was shook up and might have a bit of whiplash.

"He's a lucky boy as it's not too serious but we'll have to wait and see how he is for Tamworth."

Gary Pearson has accepted the financial package he was offered to end his one-year contract at KitKat Crescent before June but McEwan has not ruled out a return in the summer.

City will save on national insurance payments by reaching an agreement with Pearson over the last three months of his contract while the 28-year-old midfielder, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, can seek new employers.

But McEwan said: "We wish him all the best and hope everything works out for him. The door has not closed, however, and he's welcome to come back and show me what he can do in the summer.

"The decision was only made in the best interests of the player and the club because I wouldn't have been able to have a look at him between now and the end of the season."

Paul Groves has been unable to train this week after being called up for jury service but should still be fit to face Tamworth.

Updated: 09:39 Thursday, March 17, 2005