YORK City have got their fingers crossed they will have two extra names in the squad before kick-off today at Gravesend.

Trialists Danny Parslow and Lewis McMahon both agreed deals yesterday - but international clearance issues could block the way of any potential involvement for Welsh Under-21 international Parslow.

The 20-year-old centre-half was at Cardiff City before being released by Dave Jones after a spell on-loan at Swansea City.

He never quite made it into the Bluebirds first team but was a well-regarded reserve side regular who has also picked up four international caps for Wales U21s.

He figured in a 2-0 defeat to England at Blackburn in October 2004 when he faced the likes of Darren Bent, Jermaine Pennant, Stewart Dowining, James Milner and Carlton Cole.

Parslow's arrival will add high-class cover to the Minstermen back line at a time when James Dudgeon has only recently recovered from a groin strain and just days after Simon Weaver rejected non-contract terms in favour of a season-long deal at Tamworth.

McMahon, however, will be eligible for a shirt with no red tape to slow down his involvement.

The Doncaster-born 21-year-old was last seen at Notts County after starting out at Sheffield Wednesday as a trainee who progressed through to the first team ranks.

McMahon bagged two goals in 22 starts for The Owls but found himself out of options at the end of the 2005 season, when he joined the Magpies.

He made 29 League Two appearances for the Meadow Lane side last season when one of his team-mates was Mark De Bolla, who was lining up in the Gravesend attack today.

Communications and community director Sophie McGill said: "We are very pleased to have signed two new players prior to the Gravesend game.

"Billy McEwan has been very keen to strengthen the squad in case of injury and also create competition for places to be included in the squad against Gravesend, but we are still awaiting international clearance for Danny Parslow, who is currently registered with the Welsh FA."

It is understood a temporary staff shortage at the headquarters for the English FA plus a deluge of last-minute signings have slowed the process down and could mean that Parslow has to wait until next week.

Any transfers taking place between clubs under different football associations need an international transfer certificate - like a footballing passport - before going ahead to ensure there are no legal issues hanging over the player such as unpaid fees.

Altrincham were docked 18 points last season because James Robinson played 13 matches without the FA receiving international clearance from Iceland.

Added McGill: "As it is the start of the Premiership season, we understand the English FA has received over 30 requests for international clearance and are trying to process these at present.

"We hope to have received clearance in enough time for Danny Parslow to be eligible for inclusion in the side."