PAUL Crichton is closing in on a York City deal after impressing player-manager Chris Brass during Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper has already seen off the challenge of fellow trialist Craig Mawson and is now hoping to convince Brass he can provide competition for Chris Porter between the sticks.

Former Morecambe stopper Mawson has been released by City but Brass is taking a longer look at Crichton, whom he is also considering for a coaching role.

Brass said: "Paul had a better game than against Doncaster when he was a little rusty. He commanded his area and did well.

"He's been a number two for 18 months and needs games but he talks well and I think the back four were quite confident with him behind them.

"Craig Mawson has been unfortunate but, to be brutally honest, he's no better than Chris Porter. He had his positives and negatives against Chris but, if we are going to bring somebody in, it's got to be somebody who's challenging Chris.

"We were honest with him and told him there will not be anything for him."

Left-sided trialist Mark Robertson has also left Bootham Crescent with Brass still eager to sign former Crewe captain Shaun Smith on that flank.

But strikers Paul Brayson and Jonny Rowan will be given another week to impress, while left-back Paul Dunn will be monitored at Bedlington if he is not signed.

Brass said: "I have got to start making decisions and don't want to make any false promises. Shaun Smith is the main one I want to sort out. He watched Saturday's game but we will have to see what we have got left in the melting pot.

"We looked at Mark Robertson in that position and also in midfield but, as well as Shaun, there's also Dave Merris and Bryan Stewart who can play there. Again, he's no better than what we have at the moment and it's pointless having people hanging about, but we will continue to look at Paul Brayson and Jonny Rowan because during games they have shown enough to suggest we keep an eye on them.

"We will have another week looking at them but then we need to make decisions."

Brass (groin) and midfielder Gary Pearson (hamstring) both limped off in the first half but the player-boss is hoping neither injury is serious, saying: "We were cute enough to come off straight away when we felt twinges even if we didn't want to."

Skipper Steve Davis also missed the game with a minor calf problem that should clear up this week while teenage winger Bryan Stewart is recovering from a stomach bug that has sidelined him for City's first three friendlies.

Updated: 09:57 Monday, July 26, 2004