DAVE Merris looks set for a permanent switch from defence to midfield after another eye-catching display during Saturday's 2-1 victory over ten-man Carlisle United.

The former Harrogate Town full-back played in an advanced position on the left flank for the second successive game against the high-flying Cumbrians and created City's first goal before scoring the second.

Left-winger Bryan Stewart remains sidelined by groin problems but now faces a fight to win back his place due to Merris' form.

Caretaker manager Viv Busby said: "Dave Merris is revelling in the wide-left position and played really well there again. I thought he might have scored when Lee Nogan got our first goal because he's got such a good strike but at least he shot across the face of goal.

"I've told him to do that because somebody else might be there rather than missing at the near post and hitting the side-netting. He took a chance for the second goal and when you look to read mistakes, danger, knock-ons and bounces like he does you will get opportunities and he stuck his in the bottom corner.

"He's new to the position but he has played wing-back before so he can get forward. He's got a lot of energy and pace and can get good crosses in but, because he's played at left back, he knows what needs doing defensively as well which is a bonus."

Busby was also pleased with teenage midfielder Kane Ashcroft's full home debut as a replacement for the suspended Darren Dunning.

The acting Minstermen manager said: "Young Kane made an absolutely brilliant home debut and, for a young lad, he always wanted the ball. He knows the position and was not phased by playing against senior pros.

"I asked him afterwards if he enjoyed it and he said he loved it. Everybody's going to make mistakes but if he loves playing and wants the ball that's great.

"I told him to go out and play as if it was a youth-team game and forget the crowd. I know that's not easy but I thought he did well. Kevin Donovan and Paul Groves also worked their socks off in there."

Busby did not have a clear view of the incident that saw Carlisle's Peter Murphy sent off on 20 minutes after swinging out an arm and striking Groves.

But visiting manager Paul Simpson later said he had no complaints with referee Stan Gate's decision and Busby did not want the red card to cloud over his side's achievements, saying: "They proved a handful even with ten men and sometimes when you play a team who have had a man sent off it becomes more difficult because they really dig in but the work rate our young lads and the players at the back put in was excellent. We had a really young back four but they looked composed, cultured and put their foot in when they had to."

Busby is now hoping that this weekend's free Saturday will mean striker Andy Bishop is fit for the Minstermen's next match a week tomorrow at home to Halifax.

Bishop limped out of the action against Carlisle with a twisted ankle after an excellent first half display but should recover in time for the visit of the Shaymen.

City reserves entertain Grimsby Town at Bootham Crescent today (ko 7pm).

Tranmere trialist striker Paul Robinson is expected to be given a second chance to impress.

Reserves (probable): Porter, Law, Hollingworth, Anderson, Smith, Arthur, Webster, Yalcin, Dunning, Haw, Robinson.

Updated: 10:16 Monday, November 29, 2004