JOHN Fielding's learning curve will take a sharp incline tonight but one that holds no fear for the latest product of York City's youth programme.

The young City centre-back made his Football League debut in Saturday's 3-0 hammering of Torquay United and repaid the faith shown in him by Terry Dolan with a commanding display.

Tonight Fielding faces another step up in class when he pits his wits against the First Division strikers of Crewe Alexandra on his home debut.

The 19-year-old admits it promises to be tough for both him and City.

"It will be a big step up. They are two divisions above us, so obviously it is going to be a harder game for us.

"But it is another good test and everyone was pleased with Saturday's result so we go into it in confident mood.

"The pressure is on them being a First Division club and we have just come out a game we have won 3-0. There is a buzz around the place now and hopefully we can get a win."

Fielding admitted he was still having to pinch himself following his dream debut at Plainmoor.

"It was nice to get the debut out of the way," he said.

"I was very nervous before kick-off but after 20 minutes I settled down a bit and I had the experienced pros alongside who settled me down a bit and talked me through.

"It was a good result too, three goals away from home, a clean sheet and three points on the board. It was a dream start really."

Blighted by injury during the third and final year of his trainee-ship last season, Fielding was handed a one-year pro's contract by Dolan in order for the City boss to properly assess his chances.

In such circumstances, Fielding admitted his first team bow had come about sooner than anticipated.

But now, having grabbed his chance with both hands, the central defender is hoping for a prolonged run in the team.

"I didn't expect to get a chance this early on so it has come as a nice surprise," he said.

"But I was hoping to be involved at some time and it would be nice to get a run in the first team now and get the confidence up."

City, not surprisingly, expect to field an unchanged team tonight.

Nick Richardson failed to make the trip to Torquay after jarring his leg in the training ground collision that also ruled striker Peter Duffield out of the Plainmoor trip.

Neither Richardson or Duffield will have shaken off the knocks in time to be included tonight, so Dolan has in any case no choice but to name the same squad as Saturday.

But the City chief is confident his players can maintain the form shown against the Gulls and add another notable scalp to those accrued by City in this competition over the years.

"Saturday's result has got to have given the players' confidence now and it will be a good test because Crewe are a good footballing team," enthused Dolan

"They are two divisions higher than us so we can't afford to underestimate them. But the important thing is it is just a one off game now.

"Had it been a two-legged affair like it was last season you are going into the game a bit apprehensive, thinking about what you need to do.

"Tonight we have just got to win the game and we are through. Hopefully, home advantage will help us."

Crewe boss Dario Gradi is to ask Blackburn Rovers if they can play promising young striker Marc Richards in tonight's tie as the Railwaymen look to bring their poor start to the season to a swift conclusion.

Gradi has promised to make changes for the first-round clash after his side's 2-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday which followed a 1-0 defeat at Grimsby on the opening day.

Tonight's tie will be decided this evening, with extra-time and penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes.

Updated: 09:36 Tuesday, August 21, 2001