FORMER trialist Paul Robinson will turn out for York City reserves tonight 16 months after injuring himself in his last run-out for the Minstermen's second-string.

Robinson, not to be confused with his striking namesake currently on City's books, damaged his ankle scoring the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Scunthorpe reserves last August, but could now be available again with first-team opportunities at Tranmere Rovers still proving elusive.

The 6ft tall striker is competing with the likes of Simon Haworth, Calvin Zola and Eugene Dadi for a forward place at Prenton Park and has yet to make his debut for the high-flying League One outfit.

But Robinson, 20, has played three times for Grimsby Town this season during a loan spell and an impressive display at Boston tonight could secure a temporary switch to Bootham Crescent and place him in contention for Saturday's Conference home clash with Carlisle United.

Caretaker City boss Viv Busby said: "I have spoken to Brian Little and he's told me he's a good player who can't get a look in because of how well they are doing but he might get in my team and he needs to play football.

"He won't cost us anything. We are going to have a look at him first on a trial basis and if we like the look of him it won't be a problem because Tranmere will pay his wages and we can take him on loan."

Busby has also thrown down the gauntlet to teenagers Lev Yalcin and Kane Ashcroft as he looks for a midfielder to deputise for the suspended Darren Dunning against Carlisle.

Yalcin has told Busby he would prefer playing in the centre of the park rather than in an attacking role and the acting manager will use him in that position against the Pilgrims.

Busby said: "Lev's said to me that he wants to play in midfield so we will have a look at him in there unless we have to play him up front because of a lack of bodies.

"But hopefully he will play in midfield with Saturday in mind. The main thing that would concern me about playing him in there would be how he carries out his defensive duties.

"We'll also be looking at Kane Ashcroft again. He's looked good and has played well for the reserves since I've been here and I also want to see how Shaun Smith is for Carlisle as well."

Smith and Bryan Stewart are both facing late fitness tests ahead of today's reserve game but Gary Pearson has been ruled out because of his shoulder problem.

Busby added: "Gary is still struggling and has had to have an injection. He's not played for three weeks even if he was fit, but if he recovers for Saturday I would welcome him on the bench at least and perhaps get 20 minutes out of him."

City reserves (probable): Porter, Law, Anderson, Hollingworth, Smith, Arthur, Ashcroft, Yalcin, Stewart, Haw, Robinson.

Updated: 09:53 Wednesday, November 24, 2004