PATCHED-UP Fulham are winging their way to Bootham Crescent on a European mission.

The Evening Press understands French ace Louis Saha will more than likely start tomorrow, despite breaking his nose just two weeks ago in the stormy third round clash with Wycombe.

It was initially feared Saha would be out for up to a month.

However, with Fulham seeing the FA Cup as an important route to Europe and with Barry Hayles suspended, last season's 32-goal hitman could be pressed into action alongside French international and £11.5million record signing Steve Marlet.

Fulham's assistant boss, Christian Damiano, underlined the importance of the FA Cup to the Cottagers, who were flying up to Yorkshire from the capital today.

"Unlike in France, there is not much difference between a cup tie and a Premier League match," he said.

"York will view this as a mini cup final and I understand the pitch isn't the best.

"However, if we are alert and play to our strengths then this will be another opportunity for us to take a step closer to Europe.

"Perhaps at the end of the season it would be nice to have qualified for the a Uefa place twice over."

In midfield, Fulham also have problems with Sean Davies rated extremely doubtful having broken his nose in a reserve team game in midweek.

Davies had previously been suspended and was only playing in the second-string to boost his match fitness for Saturday.

With the England Under-21 international unlikely to be fit, Fulham chief Jean Tigana may turn to former Newcastle and Sunderland star Lee Clark.

Clark has not featured since suffering a knee injury in a collision with Charlton's former York City goalkeeper Dean Kiely on Boxing Day.

However, with Davies doubtful and yet more injury problems in midfield Tigana is left with few options.

On the right, former Arsenal and Southampton star Luis Boa-Morte is struggling with an ankle injury picked up at Sunderland last week.

The Portuguese international has since returned to training with the squad but may have to be content with a bit-part role tomorrow.

If Tigana decides against risking Boa-Morte from the off then former Monaco midfielder Sylvain Legwinski, himself doubtful with a hamstring injury, could get the nod.

Fulham's last line of defence may also see a significant change with Dutch international and former Juventus ace Edwin Van Der Sar expected to be relegated to the bench.

With Maik Taylor earmarked to take over the reins that means, with Alan Fettis between the sticks for City, two Northern Ireland goalkeepers will be on show.

Taylor was the mainstay at Craven Cottage last season as Fulham claimed the Division One title but has had to be content with just cup appearances this time around.

Updated: 08:46 Friday, January 25, 2002