YORK City midfielder Stephen Brackstone looks likely to be ruled out for a number of weeks after undergoing an appendix operation.

The loss of the former Middlesbrough starlet will be a bitter blow for City boss Terry Dolan, who has already lost the services of skipper Chris Brass over the festive season to a fractured cheekbone.

Brackstone has been one of City's most consistent performers this season, forming a strong midfield partnership with Lee Bullock.

He started Friday night's game with Lincoln, but was withdrawn before half-time complaining he felt unwell with appendicitis diagnosed over the weekend.

It is not yet known how long Brackstone will be out for, but after undergoing surgery yesterday the former England youth international is unlikely to be available for a number of weeks.

The loss of Brackstone will be tempered a little for Dolan by the fact midfielders Christian Fox and Richard Cooper are now both available and fit after lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Cooper was thrilled to mark his comeback with a stunning left-footed drive to earn the club a point against Lincoln.

Now he's looking forward to helping City to a Christmas double over Boston on Boxing Day and Hull City on Saturday.

The former Nottingham Forest trainee was the surprise choice to replace the injured Stuart Wise six minutes after the break, but Cooper grasped the opportunity with both hands as he showed he was back to his combative best in the midfield.

Despite having only featured once in the first team since he broke his leg against Hull City in January 29, there were no signs of rustiness from the diminutive midfielder.

And 23-year-old Cooper was rewarded for his efforts with a fantastic goal ten minutes from time, sparking mass celebration from the players, bench and fans.

"It was my first proper game in ten months, so it was just a bit of excitement really," he told the Evening Press. "The ball was in the air for a long time and I just thought if I could hit it cleanly then you never know.

"It was either going to go in or over and hit some house, but I was really chuffed that it went in, especially as it was with my weaker foot. Personally, I was just pleased to get on and be involved again. It has been a long time out for me and even sitting on the bench for the last three games has been better than being injured.

"I'm really pleased and so glad we didn't get beat as well."

Updated: 15:20 Monday, December 23, 2002