FORMER York City favourite Alan Pouton's hopes of facing the Minstermen when they tackle Grimsby in the third round of the FA Cup have been dealt a cruel blow.

Pouton faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tests revealed the combative midfielder has a hairline fracture of the fibula.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury in the final minute of the 1-1 draw against Wolves on Friday,

Pouton, who cost Grimsby £150,000 when he moved from Bootham Crescent in 1999, will be in a plaster cast for about three weeks before starting a fitness programme which is estimated to take about five weeks.

A club spokesman said: "Alan's injury is a massive blow for the club. He could be out for a while."

The exact date of the FA Cup tie between City and Grimsby at Blundell Park has not been confirmed, but is expected to be Saturday, January 5, with a 3pm kick-off.

Sky TV have confirmed Cardiff's FA Cup third round home tie with Leeds as one of their live matches. The Nationwide Second Division team will host the Barclaycard Premiership high-flyers at Ninian Park on Sunday, January 6 with a 4pm kick-off.

The only all-Premiership tie in the third round of the FA Cup - Aston Villa's clash with Manchester United at Villa Park - will be shown live on BBC television on Sunday, January 6 (7pm kick-off).

Updated: 11:35 Tuesday, December 11, 2001