York City could be without skipper Mark Hotte and vice-captain Nathan Peat for Saturday's Conference clash at Forest Green Rovers.

But striker Clayton Donaldson has recovered from a foot problem and is available for selection.

Hotte has a stiff back and Peat a sore calf and both players have missed training this week.

Minstermen boss Billy McEwan rates each player as "60-40" for the Lawn match but will not make a final decision on his starting line up until they have undergone late fitness tests.

He is unlikely to take any risks though and James Dudgeon and Dave Merris are likely to deputise if necessary.

McEwan said: "We have been fortunate to have continuity in our selections so far but picking up injuries is part and parcel of football and whoever comes in, if they are needed, must then take their chance."

City's defence has conceded just two goals from open play in the season's opening six matches and McEwan is hoping that proud statistic can be extended in Gloucestershire even allowing for possible team changes at the back.

He said: "It's an excellent record and a credit to the players in the team. They have put a lot of hard work in on the training ground to achieve that.

"There might have to be a few changes for Forest Green but the other players have not been left out and have also been involved in the work on the training ground as well."

City's last trip to Forest Green marked McEwan's first game in charge back in February.

The Minstermen were leading but ended up drawing 1-1 after conceding a penalty.

McEwan does not want a repeat performance and pointed out that, without the two spot-kicks skipper Hotte has given away, his team would be top of the Conference table.

The City boss said: "The last time we went there it was a big day because it was my first game in charge and a relegation battle. We gave a penalty away which seems to be a common theme at York City.

"It's a bad habit which we have to get out of our system. We have got to be more diligent, composed and panic less.

"Mark Hotte's got to cut it out of his game because it's cost us five points. I know he's not meant it but he's got to accept responsibility as we would be top of the table now by two points.

"I don't want to criticise him too much as he's done very well for me otherwise but, if he doesn't learn from it, he won't be in the team. I think he will because he's a good professional who works hard in training and wants to improve.

"I've seen Forest Green and they are a physical side with one or two players who impressed me but I know that if we play as we are capable then we can get three points."

On-loan forward Darren Mansaram is not in contention for tomorrow's game after injuring his groin for the reserves on Wednesday night. His temporary stay at KitKat Crescent is due to expire on Thursday and McEwan is delaying a decision about his future until he knows the extent of his injury.

McEwan thanked the board for sanctioning an overnight stay this evening, saying: "We did it in one day last season but tonight will give us better preparation because some of our players have to travel from Newcastle and Middlesbrough so they would have had to get up very early."

Saturday's squads

Nationwide Conference

Forest Green v York City

Forest Green (probable): Clarke, Simpson, Richardson, Garner, Searle, Meechan, Wanless, Rogers, Beswetherwick, Abbey, Haldane. Subs: Sall, Texiera, Harrison, Rendell, Graham.

City (probable): Porter, Price, McGurk, Hotte, Peat, Convery, Panther, Dunning, Bishop, O'Neill, Donaldson. Subs: Afandiyev, Stewart, Yalcin, Dudgeon, Mallon.

Referee: Chris Sarginson (Staffordshire). Kick-off: 3pm

Updated: 10:32 Friday, September 09, 2005