WING-BACK Dave Merris is vowing not to let slip a second chance of the big-time after booking a return ticket to Rotherham United tonight.

New recruit Merris was one of York City's brightest stars as the Minstermen got their Division Three campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory at Carlisle on Saturday.

His performance was all the remarkable given the fact the 22-year-old was only able to officially hook-up with his new team-mates on Friday.

Wrangles over his release from former club Harrogate Town were resolved just 24 hours before Saturday's big kick-off.

It meant that Merris was finally able to make his Football League debut some four years after being released by Rotherham United.

Coincidentally, the Millers are City's opponents tonight in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Rotherham-born Merris admits he is desperate to show United made a mistake in showing him the door as an 18-year-old.

"It's definitely a bit of an added incentive, I'd be lying if I said that it wasn't," he told the Evening Press.

"I still know a lot of the Rotherham lads and I've got a few friends who will be coming down to the game, so hopefully we can get a result."

Merris admits he is still pinching himself at having returned to the pro ranks.

Having been released by Rotherham as a teenager, Merris joined non-league Guiseley before signing for Harrogate Town.

Merris, who has just completed a sports-related degree at Leeds Metropolitan University, admitted he had just about given up hope of making it into the Football League.

"Ever since I left Rotherham I have wanted to get back but if I'm being honest I thought the opportunity had probably gone and I was going to have play non-league football," he said.

"Then I played in the Leeds United game (City's second pre-season friendly) and everything has just turned upside down.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me, a second chance, and I intend to make the most of it and grab it with both hands."

Merris said he was greatly impressed by the set-up at York City and the potential in the squad.

"It is a very young squad but it has got plenty of talent.

"The management have really impressed me and the training ground is superb. Everything is spot-on."

Tonight's squads

Carling Cup, round one

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

at Millmoor

York City: Ovendale, Edmondson, Wise, Brass, Hope, Merris, Wood, Dunning, Ward, Bullock, Nogan. Subs (from): Porter, Cooper, Downes,Law, Brackstone, Wilford, Stewart.

Referee: Phil Prosser (West Yorkshire)

Kick off: 7.45pm

Updated: 11:14 Tuesday, August 12, 2003