GOAL hungry York City striker David McNiven is out to break his duck for the Minstermen against high-flying Scunthorpe tomorrow.

The 22-year-old revealed a ravenous thirst for finding the back of the net when he told the Evening Press: "I am desperate for a goal."

The former Oldham frontman, who signed on a one-year deal at the start of the season after scoring twice in pre-season, said: "Just one goal would start the ball rolling.

"It would give me even more confidence to show what I can do and hopefully it will start tomorrow."

McNiven was a second-half substitute in Wednesday's 0-0 Worthington Cup first round second leg draw at Stoke City, but boss Terry Dolan confirmed he will hand McNiven and three-goal top scorer Peter Duffield starting roles for the visit of the Iron.

Before the match at the Britannia Stadium, McNiven - whose dad, also called David, starred for Leeds United and Bradford City - had started City's last four outings.

And he admitted his instant inclusion in City's front-line had taken even him by surprise and he said: "When I signed I was looking to be a substitute and get on for maybe the last 20 minutes.

"But I came on against Cheltenham and I felt comfortable and thought I played quite well. Now I just need a goal and then I can push on from there."

McNiven, who spent a short spell on loan at Scarborough last season, admitted his career had been given a new lease of life by City.

"I felt I was never really given a chance at Oldham and this is the first time I have really played four or five games consecutively.

"I had four games in the Oldham first team at the start of last season and scored against Luton but that proved to be my last chance. I wasn't even getting on the subs' bench."

Leeds-born McNiven confessed his exit from Boundary Park had made him even more determined to prove his doubters across the Pennines wrong.

"I have been desperate to prove them wrong and show what a good player everybody says I can be," he said.

McNiven revealed he was delighted at the reception he had so far received from the City fans and said: "Getting the fans on your side is important. Most of them wouldn't have heard of me before I came but they seem to have taken to me and I am very grateful."

City fans are expected to mark the anniversary of the death of former striker David Longhurst, who died while playing for the club ten years ago today, with a floral tribute at tomorrow's match.

PICTURE: GIVE US A GOAL: York City striker David McNiven, seen here terrorising the Cheltenham defence, is determined that he will get off the mark with a goal against Scunthorpe at Bootham Crescent tomorrow.

Yorki City v Scunthorpe

Nationwide League Division Three

York City

Possible: Alan Fettis, Barry Jones, Wayne Hall, Mark Sertori, Gary Hobson, Darren Edmondson, Kevin Hulme, Steve Agnew, David McNiven, Peter Duffield, Graham Potter.

Subs (possible): Russ Howarth, Matt Hocking, Marc Thompson, Lee Bullock, Barry Conlon, Colin Alcide, John Williams.

Injury news: Peter Swan (knee).

Scunthorpe

Possible: Tommy Evans, Andy Dawson, Stuart Thom, Nathan Stanton, Russ Wilcox, Peter Morrison, Lee Hodges, Paul Harsley, Wayne Graves, Steve Torpey, Gareth Sheldon.

Subs (from): Simon Miotto, Ashley Fickling, Alex Calvo-Garcia, Brian Quailey, Darryn Stamp, Lee Ridley, James Cotterill.

Injury news: Nigel Pepper (broken leg), Mark Jackson (ankle).

Referee: Mark Cooper (Walsall)

Match Facts

THE last time the clubs met at Bootham Crescent on February 27, 1993, City won 5-1 in a blizzard. It was City's biggest-ever victory over Scunthorpe and that day Paul Barnes became the first City player to net four goals in a match in over 32 years.

The other scorer was Ian Blackstone and the unfortunate Iron keeper was Mark Samways who was later to play for York.

Among the players to have represented both clubs are Billy Allen, Jimmy Rudd, Graeme Crawford, Joe Neenan, Keith Houchen, Ian Davidson, Ian Helliwell, Gary Bull, Tim Clarke and currently Nigel Pepper. The managerial link is provided by Dick Duckworth.

Scunthorpe have made 24 previous League visits winning eight times and drawing four.

Scunthorpe's last win at Bootham Crescent was by 1-0 in the 1989-90 season.

In 1946-7, United, then in the Midland League, won a first round FA Cup tie 1-0 at Bootham Crescent.

at Bootham Crescent tomorrow 3pm