ON-LOAN striker Ben Jackson could be given his full York City debut tonight even if leading marksman Andy Bishop is fit.

City boss Billy McEwan will wait until the last minute to see if Bishop, who has been duffering from knee tendonitis, can make the trip to Halifax.

But Doncaster Rovers forward Jackson, 19, looks set to start in the live televised match, with McEwan considering switching to a 3-5-2 formation instead of playing a lone striker.

McEwan said: "Even if Andy Bishop is playing there might still be a position for Jackson (above). He gives us alternatives we probably did not have before.

"He's a bright, lively boy and I like him. He's shown a good attitude to training.

"There's a possibility we might go five at the back, but there's a lot to think about because they have been changing systems as well."

Bishop has netted ten times for the Minstermen this season and McEwan said: "He's been getting intensive treatment but we don't know whether he will be right."

Should McEwan decide to play a third centre back, then on-loan Aston Villa defender Lee Grant could taste his first action under the City manager.

Left-sided youngster Stephen Baynes also caught McEwan's eye during the reserves' 0-0 draw at Boston United last week and club captain Steve Davis, who completed another 90 minutes as he continues his comeback from a hip operation, could be another option at the back.

The City boss said: "We need to see Steve every day in training now. The lads that have been at the back have been doing well so it's up to Steve to fight for his place."

McEwan will come up against one of his former proteges tonight in Halifax boss Chris Wilder, who he signed from Southampton as manager of Sheffield United.

The City boss has also called on his players to put on a good show for the Sky television cameras, saying: "It's important that York City put on a good show for our fans and the nation to show them we are not a bad little outfit. We are a sick patient but getting better."

Updated: 09:49 Monday, March 14, 2005