GIANT Jon Parkin is out to make a big impression after being lured to Bootham Crescent by the bait of first team football.

The 6ft 4ins tall 20-year-old is relishing his York City debut at Southend tomorrow after being left out in the cold at Barnsley.

"I want to get as many games under my belt as possible in this month, that's why I'm here," said Parkin, who has signed a one-month loan deal initially.

"I've not played first team football since October and I want to play as many first team games as I can.

"When Steve Parkin (the Barnsley manager) came in I wasn't fit so he told me to go out on loan, get a few games and get fit and that's what I am doing."

Dropping down from Division One to the bottom of the basement does not faze the versatile youngster, who is highly-rated at Oakwell and was reportedly being tracked by Leeds United.

A loan spell at Hartlepool earlier this season provided few first team opportunities at Victoria Park as bad weather put paid to a number of games.

But Parkin said he saw enough in a couple of months at Hartlepool to know what to expect against the Shrimpers tomorrow.

"I didn't really play up there but I've seen enough Third Division football to know what it is all about," he said.

"Compared to the First Division it is certainly a lot more physical."

Manager Terry Dolan has confirmed Parkin, who can play up front or in defence, will be involved tomorrow although just where remains to be seen.

"I prefer to play up front but as long as I'm playing I'm not bothered," he said.

"I'm just looking forward to playing.

"I've been impressed with the facilities and the lads and hopefully I can do well."

In the aftermath of the 5-4 defeat at Rochdale in midweek Dolan had indicated Parkin would be playing in defence.

However, Mike Basham, who limped from the fray at Spotland with a twisted ankle, made a sooner than expected return to training yesterday and could be included tomorrow.

Chris Smith will also be available after serving a one-match suspension against Dale.

And with skipper Chris Brass able to drop into the backline Dolan, despite missing Gary Hobson and John Fielding, is certainly not short of defensive options.

With his height, Parkin could therefore offer an alternative up front where City have Peter Duffield and Michael Proctor, neither of whom are above 6ft, currently operate.

While Basham has recovered from his injury quicker than could be hoped, it has emerged full-back Neville Stamp could be out for six weeks.

Stamp was withdrawn at half-time at Spotland with a pulled hamstring, which could rule him out until March.

- You can read the Evening Press Internet version of City's game at Southend by clicking on to www.thisisyork on Sunday afternoon.

Updated: 11:37 Friday, February 08, 2002