Bold midfielder Martin Garratt has his eyes on the prize of a League debut for York City.

The latest addition to City's stock of young talent is starting to glint. He has been so impressive in the build-up to the new season that he is on the brink of earning a senior League bow in the opener at Preston North End.

If his graduation day dawns in under 48 hours it will complete an ascent as rapid as the prospect's lithe and nimble manoeuvrings in midfield. And if he gets the chance City's youngest professional will strive to make a senior place his own.

Garratt, one of three of last season's second-year youth trainees to cop a professional contract, does not lack confidence. "If you lose belief in yourself then you're finished," he said with the ease he has shown in possession of the ball.

"It's encouraging to be involved after what has been a good pre-season. But if I get to make my debut my goal is to then try to establish myself in the first-team.

"I always had high expectations when I was a kid. You have to want it badly - and I want it badly."

As last season closed the youngster, who hails from Great Ayton just outside Middlesbrough, was arguably slightly adrift of the other two fledglings - defenders Graham Rennison and Andrew Dawson.

Rennison made his senior bow at Luton Town last spring, while Dawson finished with two substitute appearances to Garratt's one. But the summer of '98 has been decorated by a dazzling vein by the 18-year-old Garratt despite a positional shift.

As an intermediate and then City reserve, Garratt was envisaged as the wide left player in a four-man midfield. One of his most eye-catching performances was against Newcastle United, where he eclipsed the Magpies' then Dutch 'wunderkind' Richard Pinas.

But City's pre-season switch to wing-backs has seen Garratt deployed as one of three central midfielders. His assurance in the role belies his inexperience.

Quick on the ball, he is blessed with a natural balance enabling to spin away from trouble while retaining possession.

In 'soccerspeak' he has an exceptional 'engine', motoring smoothly across midfield, off-loading short, simple, yet effective passes to team-mates. And by showing little in the way of nerves Garratt has reinforced his claims for senior inclusion.

"The more experienced pros have been telling me to keep doing what I am doing and that's been encouraging. I have had a lot of sound advice, especially from player-coach Neil Thompson," said Garratt, who cites Dennis Bergkamp as his favourite player.

Heeding that advice is now close to yielding even higher dividends for the fluent midfielder for whom a League debut now looms.

Enthused manager Alan Little: "I would have no hesitation about putting young Martin in.

"The boy has great ability. We have unearthed another young talent and that is another bonus for the club."

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