YORK City boss Chris Brass could strike soon to bolster his attacking options, the Evening Press can reveal.

Northern Ireland Under-21 hit-man Gary Browne has returned to Bootham Crescent after international duty and is set to feature for the Minstermen reserves in midweek.

Ex-Manchester City striker Browne played for City's second string last month before being called up by Northern Ireland.

Brass admits the young forward has looked impressive in training and a decision on his future at York will be made soon.

"The lad has got something but we have to have a really good look at him first before making a decision," said Brass.

"The fact we are missing Jon Parkin means we do not have a great deal of options up front and it is something we are definitely looking at."

Brass disclosed he had approached a number of clubs in recent weeks in the hope of strengthening the squad with loan signings.

"At this stage of the season and because a lot of clubs are operating with smaller squads they are a bit reluctant to let players go out," said the City player-chief.

"We have been trying to get players in, especially having had something like four or five first team players out.

"The bench has almost picked itself recently and it has been difficult to shake things up.

"It would have been nice to have had two strikers on the bench to bring on when Darlington were reduced to ten men and had a real go. Unfortunately, it just wasn't possible."

Also set to feature for City reserves at Notts County on Wednesday is former Middlesbrough centre-back Andy Kelly.

The young defender is recovering from a broken foot and played for the reserves earlier this month against Hartlepool.

Brass admits Kelly has also caught the eye but a lack of match fitness means a deal for the 19-year-old, who continues to train with City, is not imminent.

Brass has explained his decision to hand the captain's armband to midfielder Lee Bullock, still aged only 22, in the absence of the injured Darren Edmondson.

"Lee has been at the club a long time now and he has played a lot of games. It has given him some added responsibility and it is up to him to express himself and lead by example," said Brass.

"He is still young but I was made captain at Burnley at 21 and I enjoyed it and enjoyed the responsibility.

"It would have been easy to make someone like Mitch Ward captain in Darren's absence. But he already leads by example."

Updated: 09:50 Saturday, September 20, 2003