FIT-AGAIN midfielder Christian Fox has been called back into tomorrow's York City squad.

Fox will travel down to Devon with the first team today after scoring the winning goal in the reserves' 4-3 victory against Newcastle on Wednesday.

He is likely to replace Matthew Coad on the Minstermen's bench as the teenager begins a three-match ban after making his debut as a substitute during last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Darlington.

Player-manager Chris Brass said: "Christian Fox came through and scored a goal and, in terms of fitness levels, he is where he should be at. The goal came from his only forward run and he got a reward so we want him to be doing more of that but he travels with us and is a welcome addition.

"We need to get him playing again with the ability he has."

Midfielder Mitch Ward is still sidelined with injury and Richard Hope is suspended.

Hope has signed a contract that will keep him at Bootham Crescent until the end of the season.

Centre-back Hope's three-month deal expired this week but he has put pen to paper on a new contract and would also like to stay longer.

Brass said: "Richard has signed until the end of the season and, once the ground issue is resolved, we will be sitting down again to discuss something longer."

He will complete his four-match ban after the games against Torquay, Kidderminster (next Sunday) and Hull City on Boxing Day, making him available for the December 28 trip to Rochdale.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, December 12, 2003