Injuries have struck a double-blow to York City's preparations for their weekend football extravaganza.

The hosts of the four-team tournament involving beloved Barnsley, North Yorkshire foes Scarborough and Scottish visitors Airdrie are likely to be without midfielder Scott Jordan and fitness battling defender John Sharples.

Jordan is troubled by a thigh strain that needs several days rest, while centre-back Sharples is to be 'nursed along' after two outings in five days - his first for almost a year.

With skipper Tony Barras also out injured it means City's resources for the two-day tournament are stretched thinly blighting the hope of manager Alan Little to field two distinctly separate teams for each of the brace of games.

Said Little: "One or two of the players may have to feature in both games, but the important matter is that all of them continue to build up their fitness.

"If that means sacrificing results then it has to be that way at this stage of the pre-season."

Little added that there was no major fear over the fitness of Sharples, who nine months ago had to endure revolutionary surgery to a damaged knee.

"John played 45 minutes the other night on a difficult surface at Spennymoor so we are just protecting him a bit, that's all."

The City manager insisted the tournament was a major attraction to fans, adding: "We have played the last couple of seasons in Scotland in such an event and we decided we would like to put one on at home.

"It promises to be an entertaining two days for the public to come and watch matches cheaply."

While he also appreciated that fans would be interested in seeing former favourites back in harness such as Airdrie's Steve Cooper and the likes of Scarborough's Paddy Atkinson and Neil Campbell, the tournament offers City supporters the chance to see new signings Neil Woods and Steve Agnew for the first time at Bootham Crescent.

"I have been delighted by the way they have both quickly settled in," enthused Little.

"Agnew is getting stronger with every game, while Woods has scored in both matches so far."

Kick-off times

Barnsley play Scarborough at 12.45pm tomorrow followed by City against Airdrie at 3pm.

The losers of both games meet at 12.45pm on the Sunday with the winners kicking-off at 3pm.

Admission each day is £5 for adults, £2 for children, with the cost covering both games. Tournament programmes will be available costing £1 and only seats will be open.

McCoist in talks with Bootham Crescent tournament rivals

One-time Glasgow Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist could be among the stars to grace City's Bootham Crescent ground this weekend.

McCoist, a BBC analyst during the World Cup, has had talks this week with Airdrie, who City play tomorrow on the first day of the four-team tournament.

Airdrie are managed by Alec McDonald, a former team-mate of McCoist at Ibrox. Striker McCoist, 35, who has been released by Rangers, is also being chased by Raith Rovers and Dundee United.

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