YORK City boss Chris Brass is backing summer signing Chris Clarke to bounce back after a disappointing debut against Aldershot.

Clarke was stripped for pace by Aldershot striker Roscoe D'Sane for both goals in Saturday's 2-0 opening day defeat and was substituted after 75 minutes.

But Brass believes the 6ft 4in defender has the character to recover from that performance and added that most centre-backs would have struggled against D'Sane's speed at the Recreation Ground, as well as his lively, spring-heeled striking partner Aaron McLean.

The City manager said: "Chris was disappointed with how it went a little bit but, to be fair, he was up against two good strikers. He's got character and with the pace those two have a lot of centre-halves would have been in for a tough afternoon.

"McLean was not bad in the air as well and, early on, he was causing Chris a few problems but Steve Davis went across and nullified that.

"Chris has got to take it on the chin and bounce back. He's got the resolve and I am sure we will get plenty more good games out of him than we will bad."

Brass will also be studying video evidence of Gary Pearson's 69th-minute red card at Aldershot before deciding whether to take any further action.

Pearson was sent off after violent conduct for thrusting his head into the face of home midfielder Adam Miller but Brass did not have a clear view of the incident and said: "I saw the red card and thought it must have been for a challenge.

"I can't comment on it as yet but we will look at it on the video and if he's done something you can't stand for that but I won't pass judgement until then."

Pearson's dismissal is likely to incur a three-match ban for violent conduct which, under new FIFA rulings, will come into immediate effect, meaning he will miss tomorrow night's home match with Tamworth, Saturday's Bootham Crescent clash against Hereford and the following weekend's trip to Gravesend and Northfleet.

Brass criticised his side's second-half lack of discipline on Saturday after an even first period, saying: "I thought we started quite well in the first 20 minutes and had the upper hand after stamping our authority. They came at us in the last ten minutes of the first half but I felt we looked quite comfortable and weathered what they had.

"There were enough plusses to take on board because it was a very disciplined first 45 minutes but I'm slightly disappointed with the second 45. They managed to find more space and I think that came from not retaining possession in the final third as well as we should have done.

"We also lost our discipline in a lot of ways in the second half and that's something I will address."

Brass selected Bryan Stewart on the left wing in Hampshire even though the teenage Scotsman had been unable to play any part during City's pre-season programme and feels he will benefit from the future return of injured Kevin Donovan on the opposite flank with Pearson asked to fill that role on Saturday.

The Minstermen boss said: "Bryan's going to have to adapt to the physical side but he's got a lot to offer. As the season goes on, I'm sure he'll get stronger and, if we can get the balance on the right side as well and get both wings firing, it will certainly take the pressure off him a little bit more and we will be addressing that in the next few weeks."

Assistant manager Lee Nogan was rested from Saturday's match because of a slight knee problem but could be in contention for the squad to face Tamworth.

Updated: 10:33 Monday, August 16, 2004