YORK City player-boss Chris Brass has hinted he could make front-line changes tonight after his side drew a blank at Macclesfield.

The Minstermen were thwarted by inadequate finishing and a fine performance from Silkmen goalkeeper Boaz Myhill on Saturday, and Brass was hoping for sharper shooting in the Division Three clash at Bury.

There is therefore a chance that new loan signing Dean Crowe, who came on for the last half-hour at Moss Rose less than 24 hours after joining from Luton, could make his first start.

"The strikers drew a blank on Saturday and, like in other areas, if they don't produce there are people who are ready-made replacements," said the City boss.

"That's why we brought Dean in. We want strength in depth and, now that there's competition up front, we've now got competition for places in every area of the field and that will benefit us."

He added: "It was a good result (at Macclesfield). We had the better of the chances but did not take them due to bad finishing and the fact their keeper had an exceptional game. But if we play like we did we will win more than we lose."

Brass revealed the month-long loan deal for 24-year-old Crowe was with a view to a permanent switch.

"He's fitted in well," he said. "He knows this division and looks sharp and willing to impress.

"He enjoyed his time down south but he's not settled and wants to get back up north, and hopefully we can benefit from that.

"It's up to him now. If he impresses we could sit down and hopefully make the signing more permanent."

Bury suffered their sixth defeat of the campaign on Saturday, 3-1 to Doncaster, and Brass was preparing for a backlash.

"They'll go in on the back of a heavy defeat at home and they will have a point to prove. We will have to make sure we're up for the battle because that's what they'll give us."

Brass takes the same squad to Gigg Lane as that which travelled to Moss Rose, but he added: "There could be changes to the starting 11, a bit of fine tuning from the team on Saturday."

Bury boss Andy Preece has signed Manchester City youngster Glenn Whelan on a month's loan as he bids to overcome a midfield injury crisis.

The Shakers have been without one-time City trialist George Clegg and Terry Dunfield in recent weeks leaving Preece short of cover in midfield and prompting the decision to move for the 19-year-old Irishman.

Whelan is a regular in City's reserve side and made his first-team debut earlier this season in the UEFA Cup qualifying round tie against Total Network Solutions.

Updated: 10:53 Tuesday, September 30, 2003