MARKSMAN Gary Browne is confident he's the man to end York City player-boss Chris Brass's search for a potent poacher.

Browne put pen to paper on a one month contract yesterday and is on standby to make his City debut on Saturday, when Doncaster Rovers visit Bootham Crescent.

Should he play, the derby duel will mark Browne's League debut but the Northern Ireland Under-21 international is convinced he can make the grade.

"I'm confident in my ability and I did well at Manchester City when it came to scoring goals.

"Hopefully, I can come here and reproduce that form," he told the Evening Press.

Browne certainly has the right pedigree having been a regular at youth team and reserve level for City without ever forcing his way into the first team.

Now the youngster is hoping the experience of training under Kevin Keegan and alongside the likes of Nicolas Anelka and Robbie Fowler will prove beneficial for both him and City.

"It was definitely an experience training with the likes of those guys," he said.

"Hopefully, I can take what I've picked up from them and bring it out in my own game."

A one-month contract means Browne can ill afford to hang around to find his shooting boots and the goals will have to flow if he is to win an extended deal.

But the 20-year-old, released by Keegan at the end of last season, reckons his short-term deal has only sharpened his desire.

"It's a big incentive. It's only a month so I know I've got to put the effort in," he said.

"I can't be complacent and I know I have to work hard with that next contract just around the corner.

"It's the same all over in football at the minute. A lot of players out of contract have struggled to get a club.

"Luckily, I've got my break and hopefully I can take it."

Browne has already shown his eye for goal after scoring three goals during a short month long spell with non-league Whitby Town.

The Dundonald-born striker continued to train with York during the week but played for Whitby to boost his match fitness.

"I've had to be patient and work hard," he explained.

"My fitness wasn't quite there and so I went to Whitby for a few matches to get myself match fit.

"Now I'm feeling better and good about myself.

"Its been a while but I'm glad it has all been sorted out now and long may it continue."

Browne's chances of starting on Saturday were boosted as City reserves lost 1-0 at home to Darlington.

Browne did not feature, suggesting he is clearly in the frame for the weekend.

At the same time, fellow strikers Liam George and Aron Wilford missed the chance fire themselves into contention.

City's second string wasted a string of opportunities to take the lead against the Quakers, who grabbed the winner just past the hour through Mark Convery.

In better news for City, midfielder Christian Fox came through 60 minutes unscathed and could be in line for a first-team squad recall.

Updated: 11:09 Thursday, November 13, 2003