YORK City were casting their eye over former Middlesbrough defender Andy Kelly today as the Minstermen's reserves clashed with Hartlepool United at Bootham Crescent.

The 19-year-old centre-half, released by Steve McClaren's Premiership outfit at the end of last season, has been sidelined for some time with a broken foot.

The Stockton-born youngster has been training with City as he works his way back to full fitness with this afternoon's game against United's second string the next stage in his comeback.

"He is just someone we are having a look at," explained City boss Chris Brass.

"We are not really in a position to make a commitment but we have given him an opportunity and we will see how he does."

City's reserves were expected to include a couple of notable faces on the bench today in Chris Smith and Levent Yalcin.

Centre-back Smith has been out since the start of the season after undergoing a hernia operation at the end of the last campaign.

The defender returned to full-time training yesterday and reported no ill-effects.

Turkish youth international striker Yalcin, seconded to the first team squad from the trainee ranks this season, has been out since the turn of the year with a long standing groin problem.

City boss Chris Brass revealed Christian Fox had also successfully returned to training after nursing an ankle injury suffered on the opening day of the season at Carlisle United.

However, City were wary another heavy challenge could knock back his recovery so had decided against Fox being involved in today's reserve team game.

"This Saturday has perhaps come too soon for Smithy and Foxy but, hopefully, by the following week they will both be in contention," said Brass.

City reserves: Porter, Law, Kelly, Anderson, Davies, Cooper, Wood, Brackstone, Stewart, Wilford, Arthur. Subs: Smith, Yalcin, Haw, Coad, AN Other.

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, September 10, 2003