HISTORY-MAKING Harrogate Town are plotting another 2002 first as they introduce a Latin beat to their UniBond League campaign.

Town have plumped for York City's towering 6ft. 4in. tall Brazilian striker Rogerio to beef up their attack. If the paperwork is done today he will go straight into Town's front-line for tomorrow's premier division duel at home to Runcorn.

And if the charismatic Brazilian impresses during his month's loan then Wetherby Road could be his new home providing a permanent deal can be resolved, said delighted manager John Reed.

"The year 2002 has already been one of 'firsts' for the club and here we have another one," enthused Reed.

"We won promotion to the UniBond premier division for the first time. We won the West Riding Cup for the first time in 18 years and we got to the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in the history of the club.

"Now we are looking to sign our first Brazilian player."

With Town's skipper and top scorer Robbie Whellans ruled out of tomorrow's clash through suspension Town turned to Rogerio, who had earlier been watched in City reserves' action by assistant manager Neil Aspin and club chairman Bill Fotherby.

Added Reed: "I've only got three recognised strikers really in Whellans, Colin Hunter and Clayton Donaldson, who is on loan from Hull City.

"He (Rogerio) is a big lad and he will be here for a month. If he does well we will try to do something for him here on a more permanent basis."

Since coming to Bootham Crescent in the summer Rogerio has been restricted to just four substitute appearances for the Minstermen.

After pepping up their attack Town boss Reed will also need to attend to his side's rearguard against 16th-placed Runcorn, who lie one point and one spot above tomorrow's hosts.

Central defender Michael McNaughton faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury suffered during the midweek West Riding Cup triumph over neighbours Harrogate Railway.

"We took him off as a precaution, but McNaughton could be a big doubt," said Reed, who has at least been heartened by the form over the last two games of recent recruit Len Curtis.

An ex-Leeds United junior, Rotherham-based Curtis has just joined the Wetherby Roaders from Nationwide Conference club Kettering Town.

Updated: 11:05 Friday, December 13, 2002