Desire is being harnessed by York City manager Alan Little as he sifts through the wreckage of his injury-riven squad.

City's trip to Wrexham pitches up a second round tie laced with the lure of a possible plum third round collision against a super-power. And it is that incentive that could enable Little's Minstermen to prevail in tomorrow's battle of the under-achievers.

"It's the big one. The chance to play one of the big boys. That's what we want," insisted Little. Tomorrow it will be the team that wants it the most who will win."

As yet Little's eventual team selection is cloaked in mystery. He is waiting until the last minute to discover just who is physically fit to take to the cup arena.Of the injuries to ten senior players only one, striker Neil Woods, is definitely able to play.

Captain and playmaker Steve Agnew will be in the reckoning provided there is no reaction to his return to training today from the groin injury that has plagued him for weeks.

Right-back Andy McMillan's progress from a similar knock is slow reducing his chances to no better than 50-50. There was even less hope of midfielder Scott Jordan (knee) and Tony Barras (hamstring) getting the go-ahead.

With three youth trainees goalkeeper John Mohan, defender Christian Fox and midfielder Lee Bullock conscripted to senior training all this week, it could be an unfamiliar line-up.

However, Little remained upbeat, optimism heightened by a sequence of five seasons undefeated on Wrexham soil.

"That record should count as it puts players in the right frame of mind to know they can win there," said the City manager.

"Even with our best side this wouldn't be easy. We are up against the odds. But we have come through that before."

Wrexham boast a formidable FA Cup record, quarter-finalists no less than three times in the last 25 years, the latest just two seasons ago.

But, like City, they are on the crest of a slump and preparations have not been helped by reports of a £2million take-over by millionaire Steve Morgan.

Part of the projected deal included the installation of veteran striker Ian Rush as manager, though the legendary marksman said the speculation 'was a mystery to him'.

Wrexham's poor form was extended in midweek when they carelessly tossed away a 2-0 lead to be held to a draw by hosts Swansea in a Welsh Cup tie.

City fans have been reminded that the only tickets left for the Manchester City game at Bootham Crescent on December 19 are for the David Longhurst terrace.

Tickets for the Burnley visit on Boxing Day meanwhile can now be bought in advance.

Tomorrow's squads

WREXHAM from Cartwright, McGregor, Ridler, Humes, Hardy, Chalk, Owen, Brammer, Ward, Russell, Connolly, Roberts, Rush, Spink, Skinner, Thomas, Walsh.

YORK CITY from Mimms, Garratt, Tinkler, Jones, Reed, Connelly, Tolson, Cresswell, Woods, Agnew, Dawson, Prendergast, Rowe, Rennison, Mohan, Bullock, Fox.

Thinking ahead

DEADLOCK in north Wales tomorrow will force a replay at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday, December 15, kick-off 7.45pm.

Meanwhile, the draw for the third round of the FA Cup will be made on ITV this Sunday between 6pm and 6.30pm. Should City still be involved their number in the draw will be 61.

Other significant numbers in the third round draw are: 1 holders Arsenal; 20 Leeds United; 23 Manchester United; and 53 Doncaster Rovers or Rushden and Diamonds.

Third cup trek

KNOCKOUT duty has been confirmed for York City's youngsters.

For the third time City have been drawn away in the FA Youth Cup, the Minster mites travelling to Stoke City in a third round tie on Wednesday, January 6.

City have toppled Burscough and Wigan Athletic to earn the trip to the Britannia Stadium and they will be hoping it is a lucky omen.

Back in the second round the youth corps travelled to Springfield Park beating their Lancashire hosts just after Wigan had whipped City's seniors 5-0. Now they head for Stoke, where the Minstermen lost 2-0 a fortnight ago.

But first on the agenda for City's youth team is a North-east Conference League clash at Huddersfield tomorrow, ko 11am.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.