CHRIS Brass has challenged Turkish youth international Lev Yalcin to prove he is worth a first-team starting place before the start of the new season.

Yalcin impressed in last night's 1-1 friendly draw against Leeds United after coming on as a 29th-minute substitute but he is battling with new signings Andy Bishop and Paul Robinson, as well as assistant manager Lee Nogan, for one of two striking spots.

The 19-year-old forward is yet to score his first senior goal for City after 20 appearances but his potential has attracted overseas attentions.

Yalcin went on trial at Turkish First Division club Antalyaspor over the summer and Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp also showed an interest before the Middlesbrough-born attacker committed his future to Bootham Crescent.

But now Brass is calling on Yalcin to make himself an automatic choice at club level.

The City boss said: "Levent came on against Leeds and showed his potential but potential is a fantastic word and he's got to make sure he realises it. He understands that he has to now fight his way into our first team.

"He seems to have the bit between his teeth and he wants to be in that starting two. That's the challenge I have thrown to him and, to be fair, at this moment in time, he's taken it."

Brass appears satisfied with his forward options going into the new season with Bishop also opening his City account against Leeds last night which makes contract offers for trialists Jonny Rowan and Sinisa Savic now seem increasingly unlikely.

But the City boss is keen to sign goalkeeper Paul Crichton, depending on budget considerations, and former Burnley, Sunderland and Luton right-sided midfielder Gerry Harrison could come under careful consideration after he replaced the injured Kevin Donovan in that position last night.

Brass said: "We are still monitoring the trialists and, if they will strengthen the squad and we can do it financially, they will come in but if we feel they won't better the squad it's pointless bringing in bodies for the sake of it. Gerry Harrison needs a few more games to get his fitness.

"With Paul Crichton, I'm hoping we can tie him down and see if he will play for ten bob! Seriously, he has impressed again against Leeds and we have had preliminary talks.

"I think it's a case of seeing if we can meet in the middle but Paul has been accepted by the boys. We want competition in all areas and I think we will get that if he comes."

Donovan is Brass' only current injury worry with 11 days until the kick off to the new season.

But the former Grimsby midfielder's groin problem is only expected to take a week to clear up and Brass (groin) and Gary Pearson (hamstring) should both return to face Newcastle United at Bootham Crescent on Friday night.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, August 04, 2004