FORMER Welsh Under-21 international Damon Searle is expected to be yet another new face included in the York City line-up to face Livingston at Bootham Crescent tonight (7.45pm).

The vastly experienced Searle, 31, has been drafted into the left-wing back berth for tonight's clash after only arriving at Bootham Crescent late yesterday afternoon.

Searle, who began his career with Cardiff City and has more than 440 League appearances to his credit after spells with Stockport, Carlisle, Rochdale and latterly Southend United, was reportedly on the verge of joining Second Division Colchester United.

His arrival at City, on trial initially, is particularly well-timed for the Minstermen given that City have spaces to fill on the left.

Tom Cowan's contract was not renewed, Graham Potter has joined Boston United while a series of trialists have come and gone.

Dave Merris has impressed but City have been unable to get permission from his club, Harrogate Town, to enable the defender to play in tonight's game against the Scottish Premier League outfit.

Trialist goalkeeper Mark Ovendale will also sit out tonight's match with the Barry Town shot-stopper also ineligible.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, former Luton Town keeper Scott Ward will don the gloves as he bids to land a permanent City deal.

Also out to impress will be former Darlington right-back Adam Reed and ex-Huddersfield and Bury striker Ian Lawson, who will finally make his City bow after settling his contract dispute with the Shakers.

City player-manager Chris Brass said he expected tonight's foes to provide City with their sternest pre-season test so far.

The game is City's final home friendly - they travel to take on Pickering Town on Monday - before the season kicks off on August 9.

"We will be looking to try to give everyone some sort of run out and make sure everyone gets their minutes in," explained the City chief, who has been able to cast his eye over tonight's opponents at close quarters.

Having beaten Newcastle United's reserves 3-2 on Sunday, Livingston beat Doncaster 4-2 on Monday and during their stay south of the border have been using City's Wigginton training complex as their base.

"You can see their class on the training field," said Brass. "But I think they've been impressed with our facilities and hopefully we will also be able to impress them with our play tonight."

Updated: 11:32 Thursday, July 31, 2003