SKIPPER Steve Davis has added to York City's defensive woes with the news that he will be sidelined until the New Year after a hip operation.

Davis, 35, has not played since the 3-0 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge at the start of September and his lay-off is now expected to be extended by a further three months.

On-loan centre back David McGurk, signed as cover for Davis, went down with a rib injury at Morecambe on Tuesday night and dropped defender Chris Clarke has only just resumed training after a hamstring problem.

Player-boss Chris Brass is also currently required at right back with Graeme Law facing three weeks on the sidelines with another hamstring strain.

The fitness problems mean Brass is likely to give 19-year-old Sean Davies his first appearance of the season in the centre of defence against Farnborough tomorrow.

About Davis' injury blow, Brass said: "Steve's operation appears to have been a success but it now looks like he will be out until the New Year. He was pivotal when we started to improve our performances and is a big loss even though Gary Pearson and David McGurk have done well since he's been out."

Middlesbrough-born Davies made eight appearances for the Minstermen last season but, if selected tomorrow, it will be his first taste of Conference football.

Brass said: "Our back four is definitely an area for concern and we will have to shake one or two things up. Early in the season we seemed to be losing anybody who played on the right of midfield and now we seem to be losing all our defenders.

"If I was to go back into the centre we would have to change at right back so Sean Davies might come in. If he does, it's whether he can grasp the opportunity and stay in the side.

"That's what he's here for and why he was given a pro contract in the summer. He did not look out of place last season and it will be interesting to see if he can stake a claim for a shirt."

To continue to cover Davis' absence, Brass has entered talks with Darlington about extending McGurk's loan stay beyond the first month which expires after next Saturday's home game with Canvey Island.

Darlington had been expected to insist on a recall after injuries to Joey Hutchinson and Curtis Fleming but they are currently looking at defensive trialists and could still let McGurk stay at Bootham Crescent.

Veterans Paul Groves (groin) and Lee Nogan (hamstring) are also only rated "50-50" for tomorrow after picking up muscle twinges against Morecambe.

Groves was used in defence on Tuesday night after McGurk and Law left the field but, if fit, is unlikely to be used in that position again.

Tomorrow's game kicks off at 1pm to avoid a clash with the England v Wales World Cup qualifier.

Updated: 10:51 Friday, October 08, 2004