YORK City defender Neville Stamp is being lined-up for a return to action tomorrow night as the Minstermen's injury woes take a turn for the better.

The young left-back returned to training yesterday having missed the start of the season with a groin injury and now looks set to play a part when City reserves make their first home appearance of the new campaign against Walsall.

Stamp's return to full fitness would be a big boon for City manager Terry Dolan, who has seen his squad whittled down to the bare bones in recent weeks.

With Nick Richardson having also now recovered from a knee injury, Stamp's availability would further increase Dolan's options on the left.

It would also increase competition for places just at the right time - in three of City's next four matches the Minstermen are up against promotion candidates Hull City, Luton and Bristol Rovers.

Young central defender Chris Smith also returned to training for the first-time yesterday since he and Stamp were set upon by thugs in a city centre attack just over a week ago.

However, Smith, who was hospitalised with concussion following the attack, will not be considered for tomorrow night's reserve team game at Bootham Crescent.

Fellow central defender Gary Hobson could feature against the Saddlers' second string.

The former Hull City and Brighton defender played in last week's reserve team defeat at Bury but later suffered an Achilles problem that ruled him out of a first-team squad recall for Saturday's 1-0 win over Halifax.

"He didn't train yesterday but it is a lot better than on Friday and there is a chance he could be involved," said Dolan.

Striker Alex Mathie is also continuing to make steady progress as he recovers from a hamstring problem.

"He is running with Jeff (Miller, the City physio), and hopefully he will be stepping that up this week," said the City boss.

Updated: 11:42 Tuesday, September 04, 2001