SCARBOROUGH head coach Nick Henry has hailed the 'motivational skills' of York City caretaker boss Viv Busby ahead of Boxing Day's big clash between the two clubs.

Busby has collected seven home points from a possible nine since taking over the managerial reins from Chris Brass but is yet to get any reward away from Bootham Crescent.

He will be hoping that can change at the McCain Stadium on Sunday and Henry, who worked under Busby as a player at Sheffield United, believes his former coach will have his side mentally prepared for the derby clash.

The former Oldham midfielder said: "Everyone at Sheffield United had a lot of respect for him and he will make our job even harder because he will get the City lads really wound up for the game.

"That was one of Viv's fortes, his motivational skills, and I'm sure he'll have his City team going out on to the park feeling ten foot tall."

Busby was equally as complimentary about his dugout rival on Sunday, remembering him as a key player in the Blades' midfield under Howard Kendall.

He said: "We got him in at Sheffield United to play alongside Gordon Cowans. He was tenacious, a good passer of the ball and had a great engine, as well as being a smashing lad.

"I'm pleased to see him doing well. He was always dead keen on coaching and management and he's got his chance now."

Updated: 10:44 Thursday, December 23, 2004