TEENAGE tyro Stuart Wise is looking to keep it clean and maintain York City's sparkling start to the new season.

The young defender has been one of the brightest stars in City's opening three games so far with a hat-trick of solid performances.

Now, with the three-match ban on Chris Brass finally confirmed by the FA, Wise (pictured right) will be expected to take an even more central role as City tackle Tyke rivals Huddersfield Town without their inspirational leader.

It should be a tall order for a 19-year-old defender, but Wise reckons the Minstermen will head to Huddersfield in confident mood after last Saturday's 1-0 home win over highly-fancied Northampton Town.

The centre-half maintains keeping a clean sheet against a Cobblers side featuring renowned strikers like Josh Low and Martin Smith fuelled the optimism sweeping through Bootham Crescent.

"Winning at Carlisle was good but to win and keep a clean sheet against Northampton felt that bit better and it has given the lads a buzz," enthused Middlesbrough-born Wise.

Most first-year professionals can expect a gentle introduction to the first-team set-up and are left to bide their time in the reserves.

But Wise, who actually made his senior debut at 16 and is now in his third season playing with the first team, is revelling in his fast-track call to arms.

"It's the best way to be, to just go straight in," he said. "That way you don't have time to think or worry about mistakes.

"This season I'd like to try and make more appearances than I did last and keep injury free."

He added: "Everyone was against us at the start of the season and there was a lot of hype surrounding the fact we have the youngest manager and we are supposed to be going down.

"I think the lads are determined to prove the critics wrong. Everyone is together, plugging away and doing really well."

Wise has already shown he can fill the boots of Brass, taking charge of the defence when the City chief received his marching orders at Brunton Park.

He admits to taking inspiration from the rise to prominence last season of Chris Smith in the heart of the City defence.

"Smithy did really well last season and it also gives you an edge knowing you have to fight for your place and you have to try that bit harder," said Wise.

"Unfortunately, he has had an injury and things might have worked out differently for me if he hadn't been out.

"But I've just got to keep focused and do my best and try and keep my place in there."

Updated: 10:58 Friday, August 22, 2003