BUOYANT York City are set for another major boost later this week when midfielder Christian Fox kicks his first ball in anger in seven months.

The Evening Press can reveal Fox has been earmarked for action when the reserves kick-start their season at Bury on Wednesday.

It will be Fox's first game since he underwent major surgery in February to reconstruct his knee and will move him a significant step closer to the prospect of a first team recall.

Fox expects to play at most only the final 20 minutes at Bury but admitted it will be a major boost in his fight for full fitness.

"It will be a big relief, I just can't wait to get back out on to the pitch," he told the Evening Press.

"I've been really fed up the last few months but the knee feels really good.

"I'm joining in with the lads and I feel really strong and I just need a game now to see how it reacts.

"If I can get through 20 minutes on Wednesday I can maybe play the second-half the week after and then start a full game after that."

Speaking after City's 2-1 triumph over Leyton Orient on Saturday, a victory which lifts City to fourth in the Division Three table, Fox admitted the way the team are playing was an added incentive to get back.

"The lads are playing really well at the moment and it would be great to be involved," he enthused.

"I would have thought late September I could be pushing for a place in the first team but I need to get my fitness back and my match fitness and see what happens.

"The way the team are playing at the moment I cannot see the gaffer having to change things, but I've just got to do it for myself first and foremost."

Even before February's operation on his knee, Fox had suffered an horrific year with a series of niggling injuries that had seen his appearances limited to just a smattering.

Prior to that the 20-year-old was being touted as City's next big star and was catching the eye of a number of top clubs.

Fox admits Wednesday will be a chance to draw a line under his tortuous 18 months and start afresh.

"I had a hamstring problem before my cruciate injury so it has been a frustrating time.

"I just can't wait to get back to playing again."

City's reserve match at Bury will not be played at the Shakers' Gigg Lane ground but at Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park, kick-off 2pm.

Updated: 11:31 Monday, August 27, 2001