FORMER Sunderland striker David Dowson is in contention for his full York City debut tonight against Kettering.

Dowson, who turned 22 last month, has been used as a second-half substitute in all three of Andy Porter’s games as caretaker manager.

But, with Michael Rankine an injury doubt and City’s other forwards struggling for goals, Porter could turn to the Bishop Auckland-born frontman.

The 5ft 9in striker was released by Sunderland at the end of last season having failed to play a first team game for the Premier League outfit.

He did, however, score within four minutes of his senior debut at the age of 19 during a loan spell with Chesterfield and went on to net three times in 12 appearances for the Spireites.

Dowson also made a dozen appearances for Darlington last season and found the net once.

He arrived at City last month after leaving Gateshead, where he signed non-contract terms in the summer.

About his chances of starting this evening (7.45pm kick off) Porter said: “All the squad are in my mind and David Dowson is different to what we have got.

“Leon’s a good ball player, Michael Gash tries to hold the ball up and Michael Rankine gets his head in there, but Dowson’s a bit smaller and nippier. He will also close sides down a bit better.”

Regardless of whether Dowson starts or not, Porter will be looking for a bigger finishing threat from his team.

Gash has managed just two goals in his last 38 appearances for City, while Rankine and Constantine have contributed only three and two from open play respectively this term.

After a poor performance in front of goal during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Eastbourne, Porter said: “I looked back on the weekend’s match and we created a lot of chances. We’ve got to finish them but I would be more worried if we weren’t carving out opportunities.”

Porter will give Rankine a late fitness test and assess sickness bug victim Danny Racchi before deciding his starting line-up.

The caretaker chief, who would still like the job on a permanent basis, has held no further discussions with the board.

Porter added: “The chairman’s not said anything to me. I suppose, once tomorrow night’s game is out of the way, we should have a good idea of what will be happening.

“It would be nice to know either way but the games have been coming thick and fast and there hasn’t been the time to sit down and go through everything together.”