YORK City player-boss Chris Brass was sweating on the fitness of skipper Darren Edmondson before deciding on his starting line-up for Saturdat's home encounter with Rochdale.

Edmondson was substituted early in the second half of last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Lincoln City nursing a calf problem.

His quick withdrawal prevented a more serious tear, but the defender is still feeling some tightness in both calves that could require rest.

Should Edmondson be ruled out, Brass at least has plenty of options for change.

Both Steve Downes and Richard Cooper could fill the right-back berth, as could the City boss himself.

Having finished his three-match suspension, Brass confirmed he will be added to tomorrow's squad along with Stuart Wise and possibly striker Aron Wilford after a full week on the training field for the summer signing.

However, he also confirmed the game had come 'a week too soon' for midfielder Christian Fox to be included as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Brass was giving little away as to his starting line-up, nor if he would be reverting to the 5-3-2 formation which oversaw City's winning start to the season.

However, he gave a massive hint he will more than likely be in the starting XI when he said: "I'm available for selection. Had we not got beat it would have made the decision that bit more difficult.

"We need to check on some bumps and bruises but I'm in the fortunate position of knowing whether I'll be playing or not."

While Brass can operate at right-back, it is more likely the City chief will return to his more familiar sweeping role if he picks himself to start.

That would mean City abandoning the 4-4-2 formation they have used since injuries took their toll at Huddersfield.

Returning to 3-5-2 would also suggest Stuart Wise will join Brass in making a swift return to the starting line-up.

However, if he swings the axe Brass insisted the defeat and performance at Sincil Bank was not necessarily to blame.

"It was an unfortunate blip last week and I think it could have happened whatever personnel was out there," he said.

"You can't single anyone in particular out for criticism, it was just a bad team performance.

"It is one we have to get out of our system but it is one against Rochdale I think we will."

Brass reported "favourable" talks had been held with central defender Richard Hope regarding a contract extension for the centre-half.

Those talks are likely to conclude early next week.

Updated: 11:36 Friday, September 05, 2003