YORK City boss Chris Brass was refusing to rest on his laurels after boosting his firepower with the signing of former Manchester City striker Gary Browne.

The City player-chief confirmed he was still looking to draft in more fresh blood even after signing Browne, 20, on a one month deal.

With Jon Parkin and Richard Cooper both suspended at the weekend, Northern Ireland Under-21 international Browne could be handed a baptism of fire on Saturday in City's derby clash with Doncaster Rovers.

But Brass admitted there could be yet another new face in the squad to face Rovers if he manages to land an undisclosed loan target.

"We are still hopeful of getting someone else in. We have a few irons in the fire and we are still in talks with a number of clubs," Brass told the Evening Press.

Boosting City's goal return has been a major priority in recent weeks for Brass. With just 16 League goals, the Minstermen are among the mildest marksmen in Division Three.

Loan signings Dean Crowe and Craig Dove failed to impress in front of goal but Brass is hopeful Browne, who has been training with City while playing for UniBond outfit Whitby in recent months, could prove the answer.

Said the City chief: "He has an opportunity now to impress and so far he has done everything that has been asked.

"He has worked hard and got his games in at Whitby and he has shown promise, now it is up to him to impress again.

"He comes with a good pedigree from Manchester City and he is also a Northern Ireland international.

"He is a goalscorer and that is something that we have been looking for.

"The only thing he lacks is experience, but you don't get experience unless you play."

Brass denied reports City striker Aron Wilford was poised to join Harrogate Town on loan.

"There is nothing in it at this moment in time," said Brass.

"Loaning players out is something we have looked at because with only having reserve team games once every two weeks it is frustrating.

"However, Jon Parkin is out at the moment and Aron is very much a part of the squad and is wanting to break through.

"He understands we are trying to bring people in but it is up to him and one or two others to step forward."

Wilford was included in today's reserve team squad to face Darlington at Bootham Crescent, kick-off 2pm.

Christian Fox was also named in the squad and was expected to feature as he continues his recovery from the ankle injury that has seen him make just two senior starts this season.

City reserves (from): Porter, Law, Baynes, Anderson, Wood, Davies, Coad, Brackstone, George, Wilford, Fox, Staley, Stockdale, McKenzie, Arthur, Ashcroft.

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, November 12, 2003