YORK City boss Chris Brass today moved to strengthen his fire-power by bringing in Tranmere Rovers' striker Paul Robinson.

Robinson will make his first appearance in a City shirt tomorrow, when the Minstermen's reserves kick-off their second-string campaign at home to Scunthorpe United (2pm).

Should Robinson impress, the young striker could then be included in the first-team squad that travels to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

City have clearance to play Robinson in two games while they mull over a more permanent move for the 19-year-old.

Brass admitted much will depend on how Robinson fares tomorrow, but indicated he could sign the Newcastle-born hitman on an extended loan deal from Prenton Park if all goes well.

Six-footer Robinson signed for Tranmere at the age of 16 from Newcastle United after six years with the Magpies.

In the previous two seasons with Rovers, Robinson has won two Youth Alliance League titles and both Lancashire and Youth Alliance cups.

Reckoned to have a fine touch and great awareness, Robinson, who can shoot with both feet, bagged 20 goals playing reserve and youth team football last season.

He also had a spell on loan with non-league Vauxhall Motors in order to get first-team experience but has so far failed to break into the senior ranks at Rovers.

City chief Brass, meanwhile, expects to hear soon whether his appeal against his sending-off at Carlisle United on the opening day has been successful.

Brass, who could be banned for three games starting with Saturday's tough trip to Huddersfield, is sweating on the decision of the Football Association's video appeals panel, which is convening early this week.

Back on the field City are reaping the rewards of good old-fashion hard graft, reckoned Brass.

Two wins from their opening two League games and three impressive performances have seen City get the new season off a flier.

But while City are earning plaudits for their displays, Brass reckons it is unseen work on the training ground with fitness coach Kevin Hornsby that has proved vital.

City's three games, against Carlisle and Northampton in Division Three sandwiching a carling Cup clash at Rotherham, have all been played in sweltering temperatures.

However, the Minstermen have made light work of the heat and finished all the games strongly.

On Saturday against Northampton, City were put under concerted pressure by the Cobblers but withstood the second half barrage before re-grouping to put the visitors back on the rack by the end of the game.

"It's been three very difficult games because of the conditions but you have to give credit to the lads," enthused Brass.

"Kevin has worked us very hard in pre-season but because of that we are getting our just rewards."

He added: "It's a big, big learning curve for the boys but they are starting to believe they can do it"

Blackpool boss Steve McMahon has signed 22-year-old defender Gareth Evans on a one-month contract at Bloomfield Road.

The former Leeds and Huddersfield left-back had a spell on trial with City during pre-season, playing in the 5-0 friendly defeat to Sunderland, before being cut-free because of a lack of fitness.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, August 19, 2003