BRAZILIAN netbuster Magno Silva Vieira is likely to return to the Carlisle United line-up for tomorrow's Nationwide Conference clash against struggling York City at Bootham Crescent.

The 19-year-old striker has bagged eight goals for the Cumbrians since arriving on loan from Championship high-fliers Wigan Athletic early in the season.

His latest came on Tuesday night when he came off the bench in extra time - he had been rested from the start of the tie - to score the winner against League Two club Bristol Rovers in United's 1-0 FA Cup replay victory at Brunton Park.

Veteran front man Andy Preece, the former Bury player-manager, who scored in Carlisle's 3-1 FA Cup fourth qualifying round defeat of the Minstermen last month, is the likely man to make way for the Samba star.

The 37-year-old former Blackpool goal poacher is expected to be rested on the bench.

Experienced captain Kevin Gray is, however, ruled out. He injured a calf in training on Monday and although a scan has revealed no major damage he won't be ready by tomorrow.

Lee Andrews is expected to continue filling in at centre-back alongside Simon Grand.

Player-coach Paul Simpson, the 38-year-old former Manchester City and Wolves left-winger, came through 90 minutes with the reserves this week following his long-standing knee injury, scoring in the 5-3 win over Oldham, but is not expected to make his seasonal first team bow this weekend.

Veteran ex-York City left-back Tom Cowan, the Scottish former Rangers defender, will more than likely play against his former club.

Second-placed Carlisle have lost just one Conference game this season - at home to leaders Barnet.

Their away form is tremendous, being unbeaten in all their nine Confe-rence outings to date, and they will be hot favourites to take that in to double figures tomorrow.

Updated: 10:52 Friday, November 26, 2004