YORK City midfielder Kevin Donovan is targeting this month's trip to Woking for a first-team return.

Donovan, 32, has been sidelined with a groin problem since the 1-0 defeat at Crawley Town on September 11.

The former Grimsby and West Brom favourite did not start a game last season after joining the Minstermen in March and has managed just four appearances this term but is now due to play for the reserves at home to Doncaster Rovers on Monday night.

He is also expected to face Huddersfield in the Pontin's League at Bootham Crescent seven days later.

Donovan said: "I have trained for the last two weeks and am basically taking it day by day. I can still feel it but it's not stopped me doing anything.

"I'm hoping to get a run-out against Doncaster and a bit of fitness because I missed training for seven weeks. It's not been too bad coming back although I've obviously found the harder days more difficult than the other lads.

"I think Woking is a realistic target if I can get a couple of weeks training in and play for the reserves."

Donovan formed part of an experienced four-man midfield, alongside Gary Pearson, Paul Groves and Darren Dunning, that performed impressively during a 3-0 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge.

City boss Chris Brass selected the same quartet for the next match at Crawley but Donovan's injury has meant that line-up has been impossible since and Pearson has also been recently required for defensive duties.

Donovan said: "It was frustrating to get that injury after just four games back in the team. I was just beginning to get into it and we were starting to have a settled side and not looking too bad."

Striker Paul Robinson has been deputising on the right wing for City during most matches in Donovan's absence and the Halifax-born midfielder has been impressed with his performances, saying: "He's done very well even though he doesn't want to play there."

Donovan also expressed his support for underfire player-boss Brass, who this week was the subject of an internet poll that suggested 88 per cent of City's fans want a change in manager (see Dave's Diary on page 38).

He said: "From anybody looking in from the outside the league position looks bad but I think, because of the small squad the manager has got to work with, we suffer when there's injuries or suspensions. The young lads have done well but, if he could put out a settled, experienced side week in, week out, I am sure we would be up there but such is life and it's tough for him.

"Supporters look at results and are understandably disappointed but I can see what's going on in training and he can't do any more than what he's been doing. You can also see his commitment in games and I'm sure he's finding it very frustrating.

"I have worked with a lot of managers and he has the attributes to be successful. He's got a lot to contend with at the moment and the sort of experience he is getting now will stand him in good stead."

Updated: 10:30 Saturday, November 06, 2004