DEFENSIVE rock Peter Swan has pledged his allegiance to York City's cause for another season.

The veteran defender, signed initially by City boss Terry Dolan until the end of the current campaign after being released by Burnley in February, has agreed to a one-year extension.

Swan endured a luckless Bootham Crescent beginning - sent-off just 43 minutes into his debut at Shrewsbury - but has since turned in a number of eye-catching performances.

He has also dispelled any lingering fears about his fitness after being out of action at Turf Moor for almost a year suffering from cruciate knee ligament damage.

Significantly, in Swan's five games so far for the Minstermen City have conceded just one goal and his form has tempted Dolan to move quickly to tie the former Leeds ace down for longer.

The City boss admitted Swan's signing was a major boost as City contemplate two games in three days, starting tomorrow with the arrival of in-form Brighton to Bootham Crescent.

Definitely out tomorrow and also for Monday's trip to struggling Chester are the suspended Kevin Hulme, Christian Fox, who is suffering from a stomach strain, and defender Barry Jones, who is nursing badly bruised ribs.

Chris Fairclough will carry on where he left off in last week's 1-0 win over Cheltenham as a straight replacement for Jones, while Scott Jordan will come in for Hulme in midfield for his first senior start since February.

Who comes in for Fox will depend on whether Dolan plumps for an extra forward or another midfielder.

However, former Newcastle United youngster Paul Talbot, who last played in the 1-1 draw with Carlisle, is recalled to the squad as is diminutive striker James Turley and versatile defender Martin Reed.

"We could have done without the injuries because from just Wayne Hall being out all of a sudden we have a trio of players - Foxy, Barry Jones and Lee Bullock - on the treatment table," lamented Dolan.

"However, when you do have injuries if your squad is strong enough you can cover and I have no worries on that front."

And despite the injuries, the City chief is clearly relishing tomorrow's match which pits the Division Three's two form teams against one another and the Easter Monday clash with relegation threatened Chester.

"With Brighton going ten games unbeaten something should give on Saturday," said Dolan.

"On Monday we will be playing against a team fighting for their lives.

"From my point of view it is two good tests.

"Two games in the space of three days is a test of everybody's strength, resolve and fitness."

In a boost for Dolan for Monday's trip to the Deva Stadium, young goalkeeper Russ Howarth has been given special dispensation to link-up with the England Under-17 squad after the match with Chester.

It was initially thought Howarth would be joining his England team-mates on Sunday evening as they prepare for Thursday's international in Luxembourg.

Tomorrow's match offers a discounted entry of £5 to the David Longhurst Stand for students on production of a valid NUS card.

The City club shop is also hosting a bargain weekend.

With everything reduced and a string of special offers, the shop will be open from 10am to 6pm tomorrow and from 10am to 1pm on Easter Sunday and Monday.

Two City players will be on hand in the shop tomorrow lending a helping hand and signing memorabilia.

York City intermediates play host to Bury tomorrow, kick-off 11am, in their penultimate Youth Alliance Merit Division North fixture.