York City left-winger Bryan Stewart is expected to miss Saturday's trip to Woking because of a groin strain.

Stewart has started the Minstermen's last nine games but caretaker boss Viv Busby also believes a rest from action will be beneficial and he will join Steve Davis, Gary Pearson, Paul Robinson and Matthew Coad on the sidelines.

The 19-year-old has creating four goals this season, but Busby is hoping compensation for Stewart's absence will be provided by Kevin Donovan's return to the starting line-up on the opposite flank.

Busby, who has a sickness bug and was staying away from Bootham Crescent today, said: "Bryan is feeling soreness in his groin. He has played 19 games already this season and a lot have been for the first team.

"The pitches are getting heavy and maybe its taken its toll. Kevin Donovan coming back is a massive bonus though.

"He's a class player and is experienced and that's what we need. We have wrapped him in cotton wool and gave him the day off training yesterday because we did not want him stretching his groin on the heavy ground."

Shaun Smith faces a late fitness test on back and calf problems to decide whether he can replace Stewart but Levent Yalcin could also fill the position.

Right-back Graeme Law will also return to the side with former manager Chris Brass expected to partner on-loan Aston Villa defender Lee Grant in the centre.

The Premiership club have already agreed to extend Grant's stay for a second month until January 4.

While Stewart receives a welcome rest, ever-present 38-year-old Paul Groves will continue in midfield, having started every match along with Darren Dunning this season.

Busby said: "Paul trains well and never misses a session. I've asked him if he wants to sit out certain bits but he never does.

"He's a very good pro and the couple of weeks' break from a game will have given him a bit of a breather. As long as he can do it, he will be playing and, at this moment, we have not got anybody else who can play there anyway.

Squads:

Woking v York City

Nationwide Conference

(at Bootham Crescent)

York City (probable): Stockdale, Law, Brass, Grant, Merris, Donovan, Dunning, Groves, Yalcin, Bishop, Nogan. Subs: Porter, Davies, Arthur, Ashcroft, Staley.

Woking (probable): Jalal, Jackson, Oliver, MacDonald, Cockerill, Nade, Selley, Murray, Evans, Richards, Foyewa. Subs: Ferguson, Basso, Tiesse, Johnson, Sharpling.

Referee: Patrick Miller (Bedfordshire). Kick-off: 3pm

Updated: 10:13 Friday, November 19, 2004