THE York City Fox is targeting a Shrews return in 12 days' time.

And teenage Minstermen midfielder Christian Fox is out to prove he is no one-season wonder.

The 19-year-old top prospect has suffered a frustrating campaign so far, starting City's first two games that ended in defeat before he was relegated to the bench.

A hamstring injury hit hopes of a swift return to the starting line-up before he suffered another slight pull of the same muscle an hour into his comeback for the reserves at Sheffield United.

However, the City youngster, who signed a two-year extension to his current contract during the summer, is targeting a return to first-team training on Monday.

And Fox is hoping that his absence from the side for the home clash with Brighton is one of his last.

Providing there is no recurrence of the injury, Fox hopes to be back on the pitch for City's second string against Shrewsbury Town on October 4.

One of City's brightest performers last year, his return to action will be a massive boost for York chief Terry Dolan and cannot come a moment too soon for Fox.

"It has been a frustrating time," Fox told the Evening Press.

"You just want to start every game and help as much as you can.

"But you cannot rush an injury like this. That was probably my problem last time - I rushed back too soon."

His first season in the professional ranks earned him rave reviews and the City Supporters' Club player-of-the-year award, and saw a host of top clubs checking his progress.

But Fox admitted he fully expected his second season to be a test.

"My main concern now is coming back from this injury and then getting my place back in the first team and playing as well as I can," he explained.

"But I also want to prove to people I am no flash in the pan.

"I have got plenty of time on my side but I want to keep up the progress of last year and come back from this injury stronger."

Fox admitted his current injury problem was made all the more frustrating because last season he was a near ever present until succumbing to a foot injury and stomach strain in the spring.

"It is just one of those things you have got to deal with, but as I said, it is frustrating because I want to be involved," he said.

His time on the Bootham Crescent sidelines is proving no stroll, however.

Fox is being put through his paces by club physio Jeff Miller, with sessions in the Minstermen treatment room followed by stretching exercises and gym work before a return to the treatment table.

Full Stop starting

TOMORROW'S match at Bootham Crescent will be preceded by the opening game in the York City Full Stop Challenge Cup when champions Tadcaster Riverside take on English Martyrs RC Primary School (2pm).

The second match in the tournament, between Clifton Without and Naburn will take place on Friday, October 6, prior to City's match with Mansfield, which has been rescheduled due to the England v Germany World Cup qualifier on the Saturday.

York City's intermediates will be looking to make it four wins from their opening five Football League Youth Alliance North East Conference matches when they travel to take on Hull City tomorrow (11am).

dave.stanford@ycp.co.uk

York City v Brighton

Nationwide League Division Three

Saturday, September 23, 3pm

York City

Possible: Alan Fettis, Darren Edmondson, Barry Jones, Matt Hocking, Wayne Hall, Graham Potter, Steve Agnew, Scott Jordan, John Williams, David McNiven, Colin Alcide

Subs (from): Russ Howarth, Mark Sertori, James Turley, Martin Reed, Lee Bullock

Injury news: Peter Duffield (broken leg), Peter Swan (knee), Chris Fairclough (calf), Christian Fox (hamstring), Gary Hobson (knee), Kevin Hulme (hamstring)

Brighton

Probable: Mark Cartwright, Paul Watson, Matthew Wicks, Danny Cullip, Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart, Richard Carpenter, Charlie Oatway, Paul Rogers, Nathan Jones, Bobby Zamora

Subs (from): Steve Melton, Paul Brooker, Andy Crosby, Lee Steele, Rod Thomas, Michels Kuipers

Injury news: None

Referee: Brian Curson (Hinckley)

Match Facts

BRIGHTON have made 11 previous league visits and honours are even with five wins to each club and one draw.

City's biggest home win over the Seagulls was 3-0 in 1973/4 when Brian Clough was in charge of the south coast club. Chris Jones scored twice that day along with Phil Burrows.

In a 3-1 win in 1993/4 Jon McCarthy netted twice and two seasons later in a similar scoreline Paul Barnes bagged a brace.

The biggest crowd in the series at York was in 1964/5 when a 8,937 saw City win 2-1 thanks to a couple of Dennis Walker goals.

Players to have represented both clubs include Wally Gould, John Goodchild, Gerry Fell, Gary Howlett, John Byrne and current City defender Gary Hobson.