YOUNGSTER Bryan Stewart is among a hat-trick of new faces drafted into the York City squad for tonight's Carling Cup clash at Rotherham United.

It's a first senior call-up for the 17-year-old, a second-year trainee at City who can play out wide or as a striker, and further underlines a commitment to youth from player-boss Chris Brass.

"He has been doing well in the youth team and when he has trained with us he has impressed me," explained Brass.

"We have a small squad and when the numbers are down the kids are going to be involved. We will see what happens tonight but I'm sure if he gets his chance he will take it. He can play in a number of positions and is a very good, natural talent."

Joining Billingham-born Stewart in the squad is full-back Graeme Law, a third year trainee, and former Middlesbrough midfielder Stephen Brackstone.

Ruled out is Christian Fox, who suffered a badly bruised ankle in Saturday's 2-1 win at Carlisle, while City do not expect to get international clearance for striker Liam George until later in the week.

Of Fox's ankle injury, Brass said: "He is suffering a lot of discomfort putting any weight on it at the moment.

"We will know more in 48 hours but it is very unfortunate for him because he has just got back into the side and done well."

Chris Smith, still working his way back to full-fitness after a hernia operation, is rated doubtful for tonight's trip to Millmoor as he looks to shake-off a bout of stiffness after training on hard grounds.

City were also checking on the fitness of striker Jon Parkin, who is free from suspension for tonight's cup clash. But last season's top scorer is still recovering slowly from the heel problem that ruled him out of Saturday's trip to Brunton Park.

In any case, Parkin's three-match ban for being dismissed in the pre-season friendly against Livingston has now been confirmed and it may be that City will chose not to rush the striker back for just one game.

Parkin's ban starts on Saturday, when the Minstermen entertain Northampton, and will also include matches with Huddersfield Town and Southend United.

Striker Aron Wilford is suffering similar stiffness problems to Smith but is expected to make the trip to South Yorkshire.

Brass admitted his side had set their standards in Saturday's opening day win and could go into tonight's clash with United free from any pressure.

"We have nothing to lose and everything to gain from the game," he said. "We know what we are capable of and if the lads can continue with the same form and character they showed on Saturday then we will more than match our expectations."

Brass has confirmed his appeal against the red card he received at Carlisle has already been lodged with the FA.

His Rotherham counterpart Ronnie Moore is expected to nake a few alterations to his side which was held 0-0 at home by Cardiff on Saturday.

Veteran striker Mark Robins, who lost 6lb in the blistering heat is likely to be rested with ex-Walsall man Darren Byfield coming in. Midfielder Julian Baudet, winger Andy Monkhouse and John Mullin, who was suspended on Saturday, will all come in to Moore's thinking.

On loan Middlesbrough goalkeeper Bradley Jones will make his debut if Mike Pollitt, who has been linked with a move to the Riverside, fails to shake off a virus.

City will be wearing their new Nike away strip for the first time at Millmoor tonight. The strip, the colour of which is being kept secret, will go on sale at City's home game with Southend United on August 26.

Match points:

THE clubs have met only once before in the Football League Cup. That was in 1977/78 in the first round. United won the first leg at Millmoor 3-0 with City recording the same scoreline in the second leg with goals netted by Chris Topping, Bobby Hoy and Gordon Staniforth. In the replay staged at Bootham Crescent, United won on penalties after the game was drawn 1-1.

City have not progressed to the second round of this competition since 1997/98 having bowed out to Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield United in consecutive seasons.

In the League City have made 29 trips to Millmoor winning six times and drawing five. Their last visit was on September 4, 1999 when they lost 1-0.

The team was: Mimms, Hocking, Fairclough, Sertori, Thompson (Dawson), Fox, Jordan, Atkins, Hall, Rowe, J Williams (Bullock).

Players to have appeared for both clubs include Jimmy Rudd, Peter Wragg, Barry Lyons, Ian Butler, Nigel Pepper, Ray Warburton, Paul Stancliffe and Bobby Mimms.

Updated: 11:15 Tuesday, August 12, 2003