YORK City boss Chris Brass was casting his eye over former Sunderland starlet Stephen Capper today.

Capper, 20, is an Irish Under-21 international but was released by the Black Cats at the end of last season.

Brass has invited the Dublin-born youngster to join City on trial with a view to Capper filling the void left by Graham Potter's departure to Boston.

Capper could find himself lining up against his former club on Wednesday, when City entertain Sunderland at Bootham Crescent in the Minstermen's opening pre-season friendly.

Brass has already indicated City's other trialists - goalkeeper Steven Croudson, midfielder Darren Dunning, defenders Andrew Jordan and Gareth Evans and striker Aaron Wilford - are likely to feature against the Black Cats.

Former Huddersfield and Stockport striker Ian Lawson's trial spell with City has been delayed until later in the week.

Lawson was due to arrive at Bootham Crescent today but is currently in talks with Bury, his current club, over his release from Gigg Lane.

Ahead of their visit to Bootham Crescent on Wednesday, Sunderland kicked-off their pre-season programme with a 4-0 win over Durham City yesterday.

Former City loan star Michael Proctor was among the Black Cats' scorers, John Oster, Jody Craddock and Kevin Kilbane grabbing the other goals.

Striker Kevin Phillips, Gavin McCann and Michael Gray watched the game from the stands, and it remains to be seen whether they will feature against City at Bootham Crescent.

Chairman Bob Murray is adamant Sunderland can overcome their financial problems but is not ruling out drastic action to keep the club afloat.

The Black Cats have called in the Professional Footballers' Association as they attempt to rationalise the business following their relegation from the Premiership. It could include players accepting a deferred payment of part of their salaries.

"We are resolute and strong enough to deal with the financial reality," said Murray, who lives near Easingwold.

Updated: 10:57 Monday, July 14, 2003