The midfield schemer, whose dismissal was key to York City's fall to Preston on Saturday, missed training yesterday with a virus. Winger Gordon Connelly was also laid low by the same bug.

City have confirmed that Tinkler's punishment for his second sending off this season was a one-game ban ruling him out of the visit of Reading on January 23.

But City are waiting to hear whether the two yellow cards will be added to the eight already received by the fiery midfielder this season. If so his season's tally will rise to ten, leaving him just one more caution away from appearing before an FA disciplinary hearing.

Defender Wayne Hall is currently having treatment on an ankle injury suffered against Preston, but it is expected he, Tinkler and Connelly will be fit for Saturday's trip to Gillingham.

Experienced playmaker Steve Agnew will get his first run-out since aggravating a groin injury five weeks ago in the Pontin's League Cup tie at home to Hull City tomorrow night.

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