City hero of Man U humiliation pushes work ethic for Burton

A defeat would be the most unexpected result for the Red Devils since Alex Ferguson's men were humbled 3-0 by York City at Old Trafford in the League Cup more than ten years ago and would probably rank as the famous competition's greatest-ever upset.

Should Nigel Clough need assistance in plotting the former European champions' downfall, he could do worse than give previous giant-slayer Tony Barras a quick call tonight.

Barras, who retired from the game this week because of a hip problem, joined two-goal hero Paul Barnes on the scoresheet with City's third in the first leg. He also lined up against the legendary Eric Cantona as the job was completed - despite a 3-1 defeat at Bootham Crescent - in the return match.

Offering his advice to City's Conference rivals, Barras said: "I think the key is to work hard and try to upset them. I also think you have to get the ball down and pass because otherwise you will spend the whole match chasing it."

City fans will be able to pay their own tribute to Barras' career when he returns as the club's guest for the home match with Grays Athletic on January 21.

He made 209 appearances for the Minstermen between 1994 and 1999 having previously played for Hartlepool, Rotherham and Stockport.

Billingham-born Barras went on to join Reading in a £20,000 deal and had further spells at Walsall, Plymouth, Notts County and Macclesfield Town, where he hung up his boots.

He is unhesitant when asked for the highlight of his 16-year professional career. "It was definitely scoring against Manchester United because I am also a Manchester City fan," he explained.

"I thought I was going to get my head knocked off by the 'keeper for the goal when Nigel Pepper crossed the ball in but he did not come for it and the next thing I knew was that the lads were jumping on my back.

"It was a great night and I have still got a picture on my wall of me celebrating after the second leg and Eric Cantona's there with his head down. I wouldn't say I got the better of him though - but then not many people did.

"The only thing that came even close to Manchester United in my career was when I was at Walsall and we beat Reading in the play-off final shortly after I left Reading."

Barras has been forced to quit the game because of a hip problem that first troubled him at City.

He said: "The specialist gave me two options. One was to have another operation, which would have been my third.

"My first was at York ten years ago and the second was at Walsall and they haven't really corrected the problem. The pain has been getting worse during and after games and the specialist's second option of playing through the pain was not realistic.

"I've not thought about what I will do next because I need to get my head around not playing first."

Barras, now 34, admits that he still has a strong affinity for York, where he played more games than at any other club in his career.

He also rates right-winger Jon McCarthy as one of the finest players he has lined up alongside.

Barras said: "You knew that if you gave Jon the ball he was that quick that he would dribble with it and give you a breather. Gary Himsworth also had two good feet and Nigel Pepper and Paul Barnes were very good players.

"Steve Tutill was also great to play with. He was a no-nonsense defender and would head and kick anything. He couldn't pass a ball to save his life though - only joking.

"We had a very good team and a great group of lads then. York is a marvellous club, everybody is very friendly. I'm looking forward to the Grays match."

Barras has been in a first-hand position to witness former City striker Jon Parkin's transformation into one of the lower division's hottest properties at League Two Macclesfield.

The Silkmen are expected to sell Parkin during this month's transfer window with City entitled to a percentage of any fee.

Barras believes the former Barnsley striker could easily ply his trade two divisions higher.

He said: "I've spoken to Parky this week and I feel he just needs that chance to get in the Championship for a couple of seasons to prove himself. He's still only 23, is looking very fit and is banging the goals in."

STATS ATTACK

Goals: Bishop 14, Donaldson 10, Convery 5, O'Neill 4, Dudgeon 3, Stewart 2, McGurk 1, Own Goal 1.

Goal assists: Donaldson 9, Convery 8, Bishop 7, Dunning 6, O'Neill 2, Panther 2, Andrews 1, Mansaram 1, McGurk 1, Merris 1, Peat 1, Stewart 1.

Bad boys: Bishop, Donaldson, Dudgeon both four yellows; Convery, Dunning, Price all three yellows; Hotte one red, one yellow; Horwood, Panther both two yellows; Andrews, Barwick, Mansaram, McGurk, Merris, O'Neill, Palmer, Panther, Peat all one yellow.

Dazzling Darren

DARREN Dunning has won the Evening Press Player of the Month award for December.

The City midfielder, who won a share of the September honours with Clayton Donaldson, finished two points ahead of his nearest rivals, defenders David McGurk and Lee Andrews.

Dunning is due to be presented with his award before Tuesday's home match against Stevenage.

The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder picked up two points in our Player of the Year and Player of the Month contests as our second-highest rated player in the holiday matches against Morecambe and Scarborough.

Lee Andrews was our top man against Morecambe to collect three points, while captain Mark Hotte (one) was also rewarded for his efforts.

The two bonus points on offer to the player who polled the most readers' votes were shared between Dunning and Andrews.

Two-goal Andy Bishop was our man of the match against Scarborough with on-loan Carlisle defender Andrews receiving another point as our third-highest rated player. Joe O'Neill was our readers' choice.

Latest Evening Press Player of the Year standings: McGurk 24 points, Donaldson 22, Bishop 21, Dunning 18, Convery 14, Merris 13, Dudgeon 7, O'Neill 7, Andrews 5, Price 5, Barwick 3, Panther 3, Peat 3, Horwood 2, Hotte 2, Porter 2.

Evening Press Player of the Month for December final standings (based on Evening Press ratings and including two points per game for the player who polls most man-of-the-match votes from our readers): Dunning 7, Andrews 5, McGurk 5, Bishop 4, Convery 3, Panther 3, Dudgeon 2, O'Neill 2, Hotte 1.

Evening Press Player of the Month for January latest standings (based on Evening Press ratings and including two points per game for the player who polls most man-of-the-match votes from our readers): Bishop 3, Dunning 2, O'Neill 2, Andrews 1.

Updated: 10:01 Saturday, January 07, 2006