YORK City youngster Sean Davies will be given the chance to stake his claim for a regular first-team shirt over the next month.

Davies, 19, has impressed in the Minstermen's last two games after on-loan defender David McGurk suffered a rib injury.

And with McGurk having been recalled by Darlington and skipper Steve Davis Chris Clarke and Graeme Law all injured, Davies could continue to partner Gary Pearson at the heart of City's defence with player-boss Chris Brass required at right-back.

Brass also pointed out that he is unlikely to bring in another loan defender to compensate for McGurk's loss with clubs unlikely to issue clearance for FA Cup matches.

The City boss said: "We would still like to take David back at a later date although, having taken him back, Darlington would now lose their 24-hour recall right as it would not be a loan extension any more so they might be reluctant.

"There's no sake in doing anything for just two league games in the next month so I'm looking for Sean Davies to continue what he has done in the last two matches."

A young City reserve team, in which left-back Shaun Smith and goalkeeper Chris Porter were the only non-teenage players, lost 3-0 at Lincoln yesterday.

Updated: 10:18 Thursday, October 21, 2004