YORK City's comeback kings Christian Fox and Richard Cooper have a return to senior duty in their sights.

And both midfield marvels admit this weekend's FA Cup would provide the perfect bullseye after lengthy spells on the sidelines.

In a major boost for manager Terry Dolan, both Fox and Cooper came through yesterday's 2-0 reserve team defeat at home to Notts County unscathed. One-time City target Danny Allsopp and Ian Baraclough netted County's goals.

It was Fox's second 90 minutes of reserve team action as he battles back from knee troubles but for Cooper yesterday's second string outing proved even more significant.

It was the former England schoolboy international's first full game since he broke his leg against Hull City - almost ten months ago.

Cooper battled back from that fracture to make a substitute appearance in City's final game of last season only to suffer knee ligament damage in the first week of pre-season.

Fox's injury woe stretches back over the last two-and-a-half years.

He underwent a major knee operation in 2001 and looked to have battled back to fitness and form when he reclaimed his first team berth for City's opening game of the season at Macclesfield.

But just as the top prospect seemed set to become an integral part of City's senior squad again the 21-year-old damaged knee ligaments in his next outing in the reserves.

With City set to be without at least four players for this Saturday's first round FA Cup clash with Swansea, the duo's return to action is well-timed.

And while Dolan may be reluctant to rush them back too soon, both Fox and Cooper admit they have not given up on their very own FA Cup dream.

"I probably need a few more games to really get my match fitness," admitted Fox

"But everything is coming along well and I've had no reaction with my knee. I would be delighted if I'm picked for this Saturday but who knows what the gaffer is thinking?

"I'd love to be in the squad but, like I say, I think I would need a couple more games in the reserves before I'm ready to start a game."

Cooper admitted it was a massive boost to have got through 90 minutes.

"I found it quite hard to be honest with you. I've obviously had a couple of outings in the reserves already and I've been training really hard for about a month now and I'm just really happy to be playing again.

"I'll be honest and say I have looked at Saturday and I thought if I could myself justice in the reserves and I get through 90 minutes there might be a chance for me.

"But of course it is up to the gaffer. If I'm in the squad great, if I'm not I won't take it personally. I'm just happy to be training and playing again after such a long time out."

Updated: 12:23 Thursday, November 14, 2002