York City midfielder Christian Fox is anxious to kiss goodbye to a miserable 2000 and show Minsterman manager Terry Dolan just what he' s been missing.

The 19-year-old starlet made a surprise return to the starting line-up in the Boxing Day win over Macclesfield - the first time this season Fox has completed 90 minutes.

It was only his third start of an injury-ravaged campaign that has seen Fox make just seven appearances in total.

The end of last season was not much better for the Aberdeen-born youngster, whose performances in 1999 had seen a number of top clubs tracking his progress.

He made only three starting appearances following City manager Terry Dolan's arrival in February as injuries once again took their toll.

To compound the misery, Fox also saw his father, Tom, pass away after losing his fight against cancer.

"I have not had the best of years to be fair," he said.

"I have had some personal problems and then suffered the knee injury.

"Hopefully, next year will be a better one."

Fox is looking to sign-off his own 'annus horribilis' with a third successive away win for City at Cheltenham tomorrow.

"It would be great way to finish this year off by getting another win," he admitted.

"If we could get the three points it could turn the season around and we could start to go up the league a bit more in the New Year.

"A couple of wins could put us in the pack chasing a play-off place and who knows from there."

Dolan admitted Fox's sooner than expected return to action on Tuesday - the versatile youngster had not even played a reserve team game after undergoing knee surgery to repair a torn cartilage and clear-up some cruciate damage - was a "massive bonus".

But Fox, who despite his luckless run with injuries was crowned the City Supporters' Club player of the year, is aware he has yet to perform to his full potential since Dolan took the helm.

"I think I played my best football before the gaffer came to the club and I don't think I have been back to my best since he came," he accepted.

"You could put that down to injuries but hopefully I can turn it round now and I can start showing him the type of player I am."

Fox admitted his most recent chance to impress had come much quicker than expected.

"I didn't think I would get the chance so soon," he said.

"I thought I would play a reserve game after the New Year but due to injuries and suspensions I got my chance and hopefully I can keep my place for the next game. Fingers crossed I will.

"I can't believe that it was my first 90 minutes of the season but I felt strong.

"I was putting in a few forward runs as the game wore on and I felt good and I felt it went okay.

dave.stanford@ycp.co.uk