Terry Dolan will not be risking new signing Darren Patterson in tonight's LDV Vans Trophy showdown between York City and Darlington at Bootham Crescent.

The City boss said the 6ft 1in centre-back was not yet ready for first-team action and indeed could not say when he will be sharp enough to make his debut.

Patterson has not played a first-team game this term after agreeing to be released by Dundee United in May following a season in which injuries affected his opportunities at Tannadice Park. He has also suffered Achilles tendon problems since then, although he has now trained successfully with the Minstermen for three weeks.

Dolan was still delighted in snapping up the Northern Ireland international on a three-month contract.

"He's been with us for a couple of weeks and once he gets match fit he will be a good acquisition. He's got experience, is a good talker and he's a Northern Ireland international, which says enough," the City chief told thisisyork.

Dolan confirmed that striker Alex Mathie had recommended his former Dundee United colleague to him, and City 'keeper Alan Fettis - who has played behind Patterson for Northern Ireland - had also given a positive account of the 31-year-old.

"Alex Mathie said (Patterson) was looking to train with someone and I said I was happy for him to come here and train. It suited him and it suited us and he's been training with us now for three weeks. We've now taken it a step further."