Resolute York City are muscle-bound for a heave-ho tilt at Wigan Athletic.

The attacking make-up of the goal-slated ranks is cloaked in mystery because of the groin muscle injury plaguing Graeme Murty.

Until the extent of Murty's injury is finalised - it was enough to KO the player's chances at Wycombe in midweek - then manager Alan Little is unsure who will 'freshen up' the attack.

Another 'unknown factor' is the response of leading scorer Rodney Rowe now that his court case has been resolved.

But the City boss is convinced a new impetus needs to be injected to the front of the team, where, winger Paul Stephenson apart, City laboured at Adams Park.

"I will wait until the last minute, because any changes hinge on whether Murty will be fit. He is due to see a specialist and hopefully he will be given the all-clear to play. On his fitness depends on whether we shall swing the side round."

Little refused to speculate what changes may ensue, but it is no secret the centre of midfield has been ineffective recently, Mark Tinkler and Steve Bushell far from their assured selves.

The duo's dip may admit Alan Pouton to his preferred central role after being 'confined' to the right flank for the past two months.

Up front there is a dilemma as to who will partner Marco Gabbiadini. With Gary Bull still unavailable the choice is between Rowe, the precocious Jonathan Greening and another young gun, Richard Cresswell, now available after a two-game ban.

The vote may edge Rowe's way when considering he has twice proved the attacking scourge against the Latics with a goal apiece in City's 1-1 draw at Springfield Park and in the narrow defeat there in the second round of the FA Cup.

"I need to speak to Rodney and determine what frame of mind he is in. Hopefully, everything will be behind him and he will be raring to get back on the goal trail."

Tomorrow's match will have extra spice for City captain Tony Barras.

He was the target of a £250,000 bid from Wigan six weeks ago, the Minstermen turning down the offer because it fell way behind their valuation of the inspirational central defender.

"Tony has nothing to prove to anyone. If he wants to show them what he can do all very well, but I am sure he will take the game in his stride," said Little.

Barras has been one of a lengthy shopping-list wielded by Wigan to ensure they cling to Division Two status. Besides the City captain they have tabled interest in Fulham's Steve Hayward, Bury's Chris Lucketti and Preston's Sean Gregan, who rejected them when he starred for Darlington last season.

Rebuffed in all their efforts for a commanding defender the Latics have since turned to their attack with a reported £300,000 move for Preston midfielder Lee Ashcroft.

Bradshaw danger, see Wigan Cheer

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