Bruised York City have been plunged into an injury crisis as home wounds continue to scar.

Gary Himsworth

Midfielder Scott Jordan, who opened the scoring in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Enfield, is rated a major doubt for Saturday's visit to Bootham Crescent.

That has forced manager Alan Little into a desperate search for a loan player as he is loathe to blood a rookie in the current unforgiving atmosphere of Bootham Crescent.

Already out of contention are defenders Neil Thompson, Wayne Hall, Gary Himsworth and Tony Barras, plus powerhouse midfield man Alan Pouton.

If Jordan does not recover from a knee injury then City will be left with 14 outfield players, plus two goalkeepers for Saturday's visit of fellow Division Two strugglers Northampton.

Little was today striving to get a player in on loan rather than pitch a youngster into an outing at Bootham Crescent, where the atmosphere was affecting even senior players.

He said: "It is not a nice environment to play football. The contrast between our home and away performances is evidence of that. That's a fact. It is not telling lies.

"Senior players who should be able to handle that are not, which shows how bad it is. Yes, we are going through a bad time. No one can dispute that.

"But look at how the team plays at home and how it plays away. We won in the FA Cup the other night, but you would not have thought so.

"I'm trying to bring an experienced player in because the way it is now I don't think it would be fair on a youngster to put him in for a debut. However, it might have to come to that if I can't get anyone."

Little's priority is for a left-sided defender as the loss of Hall, Thompson and Himsworth robs City of all its regular left-backs. With Jordan doubtful Mark Tinkler's expertise will have to be drafted from defence back into midfield.

In trying to protect some of the remaining fit senior players City fielded a youthful side in the Pontin's League Cup group opener at Rotherham that ended in a goal-less draw last night.

Added Little: "Even when senior players are fit we are going to give the youngsters more of a run to see if they are capable of making the step up.

"Last night they played very well and deservedly got a draw."

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