DIMINUTIVE dynamo James Turley is champing at the bit for a Bootham Crescent career change as York City look to outflank Macclesfield Town.

After last week's 2-0 defeat at Barnet manager Terry Dolan indicated he was ready to wield the axe with City's pint-sized striker earmarked for a rare starting berth.

Dolan is expected to make good his vow for tomorrow's visit of Silkmen leaving Turley poised for his first start of the season and only his fifth since the City manager took charge almost a year ago.

Speaking to the Evening Press, teenager Turley admits his return to the starting line-up can't come soon enough - even though it may not be in his familiar out-and-out hitman role.

In his last two outings as a substitute Turley has been pushed out wide on the right to give City some much needed width and it could be that unaccustomed role again for the 19-year-old tomorrow.

But the confident youngster insists he has no qualms about taking to the wing should he get the nod and reasons it could be his first step along a new career path.

"I would play anywhere if it meant being selected to play in the first team," he said.

"But I'm happy to be playing wide right now on the wing. I enjoy it there and it might just be my position now."

Turley admitted his likely return is proof that patience is a virtue.

"I have just kept my head down and kept at it. I knew it would come sometime and it will be brilliant if that time is now.

"I have not been told whether I'm in or not but if it happens then it's been a long time coming and it is nice feeling to be in the first XI.

"I have been thereabouts, coming on as a sub and doing all right - I've been quite happy with my performances when I get on - but it has just been a matter of waiting."

Turley could be forgiven for a bout of deja vu. Used sparingly during his first season in the senior ranks last year, he made a late surge to earn new one-year contract. Now he is hoping to do the same again.

"I've never really had a long run in the side, even last season, but I'm looking to stay in now as long as possible, " he reasoned.

"My contract is up at the end of the year again which keeps me on my toes and I know that I have got to be playing well. As long as I am in the first team and playing well then anything can happen."

Even with his likely switch to the flanks, Turley insists he will maintain his eye for goal and would love nothing more than grabbing City's first goal of 2001.

"It would be nice but hopefully we can get more than one on Saturday. We need a win just to get the confidence back in the club and then we can start moving up the table because we shouldn't really be at the bottom end

"That first win is all important and then we have got try and be consistent. We haven't done that all season and we haven't put three or four wins together."

Despite a sprinkling of snow and low temperatures, there were no plans for a pitch inspection at Bootham Crescent today.

After Wednesday night's reserve game against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch the temperatures have risen slightly with the snow actually helping to soften the surface.

Updated: 11:55 Friday, January 19, 2001