YORK City player-chief Chris Brass was in limbo today, unclear as to whether he will be available for the Minstermen's Yorkshire derby at Huddersfield Town.

The City boss is still waiting to hear whether his appeal against the red card suffered at Carlisle United on the opening day of the season has been successful.

The Football Association's video advisory panel were believed to be viewing a tape of the incident, in which Brass was wrestled to the floor by Carlisle striker Steve Livingstone, yesterday or today.

Brass was dismissed for violent conduct but the City boss has always maintained his innocence with the video evidence City have compiled appearing to back-up his claim.

It is possible the FA will require Brass to attend a personal hearing and if that happens the three-match ban Brass is facing could itself be suspended until the hearing is staged, probably sometime next week.

That would leave Brass free to play in Saturday's eagerly anticipated clash with Huddersfield but with less than 48 hours to kick-off City have still to receive any sort of confirmation from the FA.

The lack of clarity comes despite Brass appearing on the FA suspension list posted on the Football League's own website. It states Brass is suspended for three matches, starting this Saturday.

Despite the uncertainty, Brass is refusing to be critical of the FA and remains upbeat about City's trip to the McAlpine Stadium.

If his suspension is confirmed, the City boss has options for change.

Scott Jones came through 90 minutes of reserve team football yesterday as City's second string drew 1-1 with Scunthorpe United at Bootham Crescent.

Teenage defenders Gary Anderson and Sean Davies could also come into contention for the trip to Huddersfield after playing for the reserves while Leigh Wood has impressed when drafted into defensive roles in the first team.

However, hopes of added firepower appear to have been dashed after Tranmere Rovers striker Paul Robinson was stretchered off during the 1-1 draw with The Iron.

Robinson, who City were contemplating signing on a long-term loan from Prenton Park if he impressed, suffered an ankle injury as he scored the equaliser.

The 19-year-old appeared to land awkwardly as he headed home on the hour mark.

Initial fears Robinson may have broken his ankle proved unfounded as the young striker later re-emerged to sit on the substitutes bench with an ice-pack strapped to his ankle.

City, who have permission to play Robinson in one more game, will have a clearer indication as to the seriousness of the injury today.

Brass, who admitted to being impressed by Robinson until his injury, said: "It is unfortunate for the lad and unfortunate for us. Having got his goal it would have been nice to have seen him play with his confidence up."

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, August 21, 2003