YORK City's newest signing could be making his KitKat Crescent debut today after signing on loan for a month late yesterday.

Carlisle defender Lee Andrews has dropped down from League Two to get match practice at the Conference play-off contenders - and provide vital cover for the injury-hit defence.

The 22-year-old can play anywhere across the back but is particularly strong in the centre, and could well play a part in today's game against Burton Albion off the bench.

City manager Billy McEwan said: "He can play at centre-back or anywhere in the defence including full-back.

"It's no secret we have been looking to improve the squad for a while. We have got injuries to players so he's just one of a number of players we have been trying to bring in."

Andrews, who has come in on an initial one-month deal, has made more than 100 starts at Carlisle since graduating from their youth system in 2001. Last November he played in City's shock 2-1 win at home to the Cumbrians.

Despite his extensive experience though, he has been unable to break into the team this season and has had to settle for just one league and one league cup start - both coming back in August.

His presence will add competition to the back-line and provide much-needed cover with Mark Hotte still out of action and Nathan Peat only just on the road to recovery.

Leo Bertos, who scored for the reserves against Grimsby last week, has been taken on a short-term contract.

The New Zealand-born midfielder will join up with City on Monday and play in the reserve match against Darlington on Tuesday, having been released by Chester.

He has also been playing for Barrow in Nationwide North to get some matches under his belt.

Key midfielder Emmanuel Panther has had a clean-up operation on his injured ankle.

The influential anchorman has been missing since damaging ligaments against Canvey Island a month ago and had a scan and exploratory op, although a date for a return has yet to be pencilled in.

Peat, meanwhile, will return to the reserve team next week following his injury.

McEwan said: "He's been out for a long time and he's one of our stronger, more experienced players, but he's nearly there. He needs matches to get fit and that's why the reserve team is important to us."

Updated: 09:29 Saturday, November 12, 2005