STRIKER Peter Duffield has been ruled out of tomorrow's trip to Torquay United after York City's injury jinx struck again in bizarre fashion.

Duffield, who suffered a broken leg last season, jarred the ankle of same limb after a training ground challenge with midfielder Nick Richardson - despite both players playing in the same team in a practice match.

Richardson also suffered a jarring of his leg, which occurred as he and Duffield swung for the same ball, but was expected to travel with the squad to Devon today.

Duffield's injury is not thought to be serious but City's latest body blow just comes a few weeks after central defender Mike Basham injured himself in pre-season training when he twisted his ankle in a rabbit hole.

It also comes in a week that saw Gary Hobson ruled out for a couple of weeks with a thigh strain, joining Neville Stamp (groin), Marc Thompson (fractured ankle), Christian Fox (knee) and Alex Mathie (hamstring) on the treatment table.

City chief Terry Dolan, who revealed Mathie has had an injection in a bid to cure his hamstring problem, was in any case set to start with Lee Nogan and Michael Proctor up front at Plainmoor tomorrow.

And the blow at losing Duffield has been softened by the news Scott Emmerson can replace him in the squad after the rookie striker shook off a bout of flu.

But Hobson's absence means Dolan will definitely have to shuffle his defensive pack.

Although the City chief refused to reveal whether he will be sticking by his 3-5-2 formation or reverting to a more traditional 4-4-2, it seems likely teenage defender John Fielding will be handed his League debut tomorrow.

Fielding, who played the full 90 minutes against Middlesbrough in midweek, was handed a one year professional contract by Dolan this summer after completing his three-year traineeship last season.

But despite Fielding's lack of experience, Dolan has no qualms about blooding the 19-year-old in the heat of battle.

"John has done well in pre-season and played the full game against Middlesbrough. He is a big, strong lad and deserves his chance," said Dolan.

The City boss confirmed Richard Cooper will also make his first start of the season after sitting out last Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Rushden & Diamonds through suspension with the former Nottingham Forest youngster coming in for Richardson in midfield.

With Dolan down to the bare bones, Irish midfielder Aidan O'Kane is named in the squad for the first time since sealing his move from Cliftonville while defender Chris Smith, who like O'Kane and Fielding has yet to taste League football, is also included.Despite the injury blows, Dolan is refusing to feel hard done-by.

"As we have said, if we get a few injuries it stretches us and that is certainly the case at the moment," he said.

"But it means people are going to get a chance and that keeps everyone on their toes and hungry."

York City intermediates kick-off their Football League Youth Alliance North East Conference campaign with a tricky derby duel at Scarborough tomorrow, kick-off 11am.

The Seasiders are expected to be one of the main title contenders this season with most of their players at the older end of the age group.

City are sweating on the fitness of striker Danny Barry (shin) and winger Marc Salvati (back).

Updated: 09:56 Friday, August 17, 2001