YOUNG goalkeeper David Stockdale has been ruled out for the bulk of York City's pre-season after cracking a bone in his foot, writes Claire Hughes.

The 19-year-old, who has still not yet signed a contract, turned an ankle while exercising at home a week before the start of pre-season.

He was sent for 'X'-rays after complaining of discomfort at the early sessions on Thursday where it was revealed he had broken a bone in the metatarsal - similar to the injuries that hit David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney and the headlines in recent years.

Said City boss Billy McEwan: "We don't know how long he will be out for yet but it will be a number of weeks."

Updated: 10:10 Tuesday, July 05, 2005