TRANSFER-listed defender Tony Barras is in line for a surprise return to action tonight to help nurse Alan Little's stricken squad back to health.

With influential skipper Steve Agnew ruled out with a groin injury following the 2-1 defeat at Wrexham on Saturday the Minstermen's sick-list is now at crippling proportions.

The loss of Agnew means City boss Little is preparing a return to back four basics for the visit of bottom club Lincoln City- with former captain Barras ready to step into the breach.

Barras has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury in the FA Cup first round match at Enfield more than three weeks ago.

But Little revealed the defensive lynchpin trained for two days last week and stepped up his work rate in training yesterday. If he comes through training unscathed today, then Barras will play alongside Martin Reed at the heart of the City defence with Barry Jones taking up the right back berth.

But if Little shies away from gambling on the 27-year-old defender then youngster Andrew Dawson, who has so far sampled duty as an unused substitute, could be in line for his first start with Jones resuming centre back duties.

"Tony Barras may have to come into contention but I cannot decide on a team until later today," admitted Little, who said his bid to bring in players on loan had so far come to nothing.

"I have been making a few inquiries, even with Premier League clubs, but it is very difficult at the moment," said the City boss.

"A lot of clubs are in a similar position and have one eye on Christmas so are reluctant to release players." Little revealed he is also toying with the idea of unleashing a three-pronged attack on the Red Imps, with the mouthwatering prospect of Rodney Rowe, Neil Tolson and Richard Cresswell all leading the York front line for the first time.

"But the fact is I won't be able to decide until I know the situation with Tony Barras," said Little, who acknowledged tonight's rearranged game could be the turning point of York's crumbling season.

"It is one we need to win. We do not have the strongest possible side out, that is a fact, that is a worry.

"But we need to win this game and gather ground on the middle group in the table."

And Little revealed the first glimmers of light emerging from the end of dark injury-hit tunnel in which City find themselves.

Player coach Neil Thompson has also stepped up training as he bids to overcome a lengthy Achilles injury while fellow defender Wayne Hall was also winning his battle to against a troublesome hamstring injury.

Both could force their way into contention for the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.

"This game gives us the chance to catch up on the group in the middle of the table. It is one that may take us three or four places up the table and then everything could look very different.

"We are not underestimating Lincoln but players are coming out of the treatment room and our season could be turned around by just two wins. Then we can all look forward to a better Christmas and New Year."

And after the City faithful were saluted by Little after the 1-1 draw with Northampton, he urged fans to back his injury hit team again.

"We need the fans to come into the ground and get behind the team," he said. "It we get together we can win but we will need their help to lift what could be a young team."

Lincoln have just three league wins to their credit but will be buoyed by their 4-1 win over Stevenage Borough in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Striker Gavin Gordon will miss the match as he serves the last of a three match ban while midfielder Lee Philpott is also doubtful due to a hamstring injury.

MATCH POINTS

City v Lincoln City

In 31 league visits Lincoln have won six times and drawn nine. They have recorded only one win at Bootham Crescent in their last 20 trips dated back to 1950. That was 2-0 in 1979/80.

City's biggest win in the series was 3-0 in 1964/65 with Norman Wilkinson, Billy Rudd and Andy Provan on the score-sheet.

The clubs last met at York in January 1993 when City won a third division fixture 2-0 thanks to goals by Paul Stancliffe and Tony Canham.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.