Chief Sports Writer

MANAGER Alan Little is to 'think big' in the fortnight between now and the new season's kick-off.

The York City boss declared that he may be in the market for a commanding central defender to stand in for injured captain Tony Barras.

His push for a new back-line barrier was reinforced after City were troubled in the air by Scarborough in last night's North Riding Senior Cup semi-final win at the McCain Stadium.

While City were largely in control of the tie, which they finally secured 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after finishing extra time locked together at 2-2, the Minstermen showed a vulnerability to crosses. That could open the way for a new stopper.

Said Little: "Tony Barras is out of action until September and he is our main header of the ball defensively.

"Things have yet to be discussed, but it may mean that I will have to get somebody else big in at the back. There were times when we did look a bit suspect to crosses. It just might be a question of getting a loan signing until Tony is fit again."

Little added that his number one target remains a right-winger to correct an imbalance caused since the £700,000 departure of Graeme Murty to Reading.

City play Whitby Town or Middlesbrough in the NRSC final probably before the August 8 start of the Nationwide League.

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