LEIGH Wood could be sidelined until February after having a shoulder operation yesterday.

The Selby-born 20-year-old will be out for four to six weeks and City boss Chris Brass said: "It's a blow for him because he has done well this season and hopefully we can get him back as soon as possible."

Wood has played 15 games for City this season but his last match came as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Cheltenham on November 1.

He has mostly been used as a defender this campaign after starting his Minstermen career as a midfielder and his absence leaves Brass still short of centre-back options going into the Christmas period.

Richard Hope is suspended for the next two games and Stuart Wise is doubtful for Sunday's home match with Kidderminster Harriers because of tonsilitis.

Brass is now likely to continue to turn to the versatile Jon Parkin to partner himself and Chris Smith in City's three-man back-line.

Updated: 10:59 Friday, December 19, 2003