DASHES for cash are stymieing York City's quest to repair their left-back crisis.

City are desperate to fill the number three slot for Saturday's visit of leaders Watford. All three of the club's senior left-backs are out injured.

First-choice Wayne Hall is still waiting for a full diagnosis on the serious impact injury he suffered in the dying stages of the draw at Plymouth; Gary Himsworth is out for at least a month after a new scan revealed a shin fracture; while Paddy Atkinson faces a fortnight's absence with a knee injury.

But manager Alan Little's bid to bring in a replacement is being ground down by the summer impact of the Bosman ruling.

He explained that several of the clubs he has targeted have all insisted on 'no-cash, no-go' deals.

"They say you can have a player, but only if you pay for him now. The problems is I want a player in on loan, but with so many coming out of contract in the summer clubs are determined to get something for them now," said Little.

The City boss was checking on more candidates today after ruling out two last night whom he deemed 'not good enough'.

But he conceded the push for a new defender may have to go on hold until next week if the right man cannot be brought in on loan in time for Saturday's visit by the Hornets.

And that may mean a switch from one full-back berth to the other for Graeme Murty should Andy McMillan be restored to the number two shirt.

To protect his chances of getting back to full fitness McMillan has been left out of tonight's reserves' squad for the Pontin's League game at Stockport County tonight.

The game will be Steve Tutill's final appearance for the Minstermen before he heads north for a month's loan at Third Division Darlington.

City Reserves: Warrington, Dawson, Tutill, Reed, Rennison, Alderson, Jordan, Abblett, Garratt, Greening, Cresswell. Subs to be named.

*l City striker Richard Cresswell will be suspended for City's away trips to Brentford and Wycombe after totting up five bookings.

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