ANDY Bishop is poised to be given his first pre-season run-out for a York City XI at Ossett Town tonight.

The 22-year-old striker, who netted 12 times for the Minstermen last season, is ready to return to action after completing his rehabilitation from a knee operation.

Bishop will play some part in the match against the UniBond League premier division side with City once more fielding a mixed team of contracted professionals and trialists.

Former St Johnstone, Partick Thistle and Brechin midfielder Emmanuel Panther is expected to travel down from Scotland again to play the match although ex-Azerbaijan Under-21 international Farhad Afandiyev may miss out because of his full-time work commitments as a leisure club fitness instructor in the Midlands.

Lev Yalcin, Stephen Baynes and Michael Staley will not be risked because of muscle strains and twinges.

Trialist James Dudgeon will also miss out because of a tight hamstring and 6ft 4in second-year scholar Darren Hollingsworth could be given his chance to impress with City currently suffering a centre-back shortage.

Off the field, manager Billy McEwan is hoping the expected transfer of Paul Robinson from City to Scottish first division club Ross County will free up funds for new signings.

Robinson was transfer-listed by McEwan at the end of last season because of his prohibitive wages. Said the City boss: "If he leaves, it will help a little bit and I will sit down with the board and find out what that means. Hopefully, the money will be put back into the budget."

Released City midfielder Kevin Donovan has signed for Alfreton Town.

Donovan joins fellow former Minsterman Shaun Smith at the Conference North outfit.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, July 27, 2005