YORK City player-manager Chris Brass is not expecting any favours from former team-mate Jon Parkin tomorrow afternoon.

Brass believes that if Parkin is selected for Macclesfield Town in the crucial Division Three relegation battle it will be a "strange" situation for him but he also expects the 22-year-old striker to brush aside sentiment and do a professional job for his new team.

Parkin left York in February but, since arriving at Moss Rose, has failed to score in seven matches.

With 15 goals in two years as a Minstermen player, he knows where the back of the net is at Bootham Crescent but must first see whether he is included in new manager Brian Horton's first starting line-up.

Brass, who is likely to mark Parkin in the match, said: "We all know about Jon. If he is selected, it will be a strange game for both him and myself.

"He's somebody I was reluctant to let go and he was reluctant to go but financial situations determined that.

"We are all professionals though and want what's best for our respective teams. I am sure Jon's no different and I certainly won't be.

"First of all, we will have to see if he plays. There's been a change of manager and it will be interesting to see if he sticks with him.

"I can't see Brian Horton changing too much though until he has had a full weeks' training with the players."

Captain Darren Edmondson and midfielder Mitch Ward have both returned to training this week after injuries and Brass admitted that having the club's most experienced players fit again has been a welcome boost.

He said: "Darren and Mitch have both come out of the treatment room this week and they will have good tests in training today and, if they come through, that might change one or two things.

"We have to make sure everybody is fit but, having them back has even raised morale at the training ground. You need people who have been there and done it for these games although, by the same token, younger players may not have any fear and express themselves in the right manner so we are looking for a happy balance."

Brass has also confirmed that he will definitely start tomorrow's match after completing his four-match suspension with either Stuart Wise or Chris Smith making way for their manager's return.

Smith could retain his place if Brass keeps faith in the reliable back three both defenders formed with Richard Hope during an unbeaten run together of nine league games from October to January. Brass has twice relegated Smith to the bench in recent games, however, and preferred Wise in his starting line-up.

Goalkeeper Mark Ovendale could also be back between the sticks after Chris Porter conceded three goals at Bristol Rovers last weekend while on-loan Huddersfield striker Jon Newby is poised to make his full debut.

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, April 03, 2004