A HUGE Roar could soon be coming from Bootham Crescent, but it won't be from Yorkie the Lion or the York City faithful.

The Minstermen has given a trial to 6ft 2ins Norwegian defender Roar Fredriksen, and after impressing boss Terry Dolan in his first two sessions at the club, he was down to play in this afternoon's Reserve team clash at Grimsby Town.

Fredriksen, who is 31 on Friday, has been playing in the left side of the Sogndal IL defence in the Norwegian first division, but his contract with the club expired last month and he is now available on a free transfer.

Dolan said: "He has trained with us for a couple of days and I have liked what I have seen, but we will see how he does for the Reserves against Grimsby."

Joining Fredriksen in the Reserves was Mike Basham, who has sat on the bench for the past two fixtures after recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Macclesfield.

Scott Emmerson, who marked his return to the youth team with a goal on Saturday, is another player who was pushing for a place.

However, Alex Mathie, who had been pencilled in to play in the clash was expected miss out after lasting just 38 minutes in last night's FA Cup victory over Colchester.

But Peter Duffield is eyeing a return to reserve team action in the next fortnight.

The talented striker, who was a revelation at Darlington before the start of his injury hell at York City, is now on the verge of a dramatic return to Bootham Crescent.

Two broken legs have hampered the 32-year-olds time at the club, but Duffield is hoping to pull on his boots for the Reserve team clash with Blackpool.

Initially, Duffield is looking to slowly ease his way in with a 20-minute appearance, before gradually building up over the Christmas period.

The return of proven scorer Duffield will add to City's options up-front, with Lee Nogan and Michael Proctor currently sitting comfortably in pole positions.

Updated: 12:44 Wednesday, November 28, 2001