York City have been given a major lift ahead of tomorrow's visit of Shrewsbury Town with the news that midfielder Christian Fox has been given the all-clear to resume training.

After undergoing key-hole surgery on his knee in October it was later revealed the operation may have discovered further undisclosed problems that would delay Fox's return.

However, after visiting a specialist in midweek the 19-year-old has now been given the green-light to step-up his fight for fitness.

A relieved City chief Terry Dolan said: "It is good news. The specialist wasn't quite sure what the problem was and that is why he went back to see him.

"But the tests they have done were encouraging and he will have a couple more days with Jeff Miller (the City physio) before joining in with us for full training on Monday."

However, while Fox's return has moved a step closer and despite the return to Bootham Crescent of central-defender Mark Bower, Dolan has fresh injury concerns for tomorrow.

With left-back Wayne Hall ruled out for some time with a hamstring injury suffered in last week's 3-1 defeat at Kidderminster his ready-made replacement Neville Stamp is facing a late fitness test.

The youngster limped out of the reserves 5-1 win at Darlington in midweek suffering from a badly-bruised foot and is touch and go for tomorrow.

If he fails to make it, Graham Potter will return to the left-back role that earned him England Under-21 honours earlier in his career.

While Dolan sweats on Stamp's availability, the City manager is delaying naming his team.

However, striker Alex Mathie seems certain to return to the starting line-up for the first time since the 0-0 draw with Hull in October after impressing as a substitute against Kidderminster.

Central defender Mark Sertori has also shaken-off the calf injury that ruled-him out of City's first visit to Aggborough and will play alongside Bower at the heart of the City defence.

Captain Steve Agnew and Kevin Hulme could also be pressing for recalls in the midfield after both having to be content with places on the bench against Kidderminster.