CHRIS Brass is calling on his midfield to provide the leadership qualities that will propel York City back up the Division Three table.

The City boss was hoping that Mitch Ward and Darren Dunning could dominate a Scunthorpe team depleted by suspension and injury in the middle of the park at Glanford Park this afternoon.

United were missing banned pair Matthew Sparrow and Richard Kell, as well as long-term absentee Alex Calvo-Garcia and were expected to field teenager Terry Barwick alongside a semi-fit Ian Kilford in their engine room for today's Nationwide League clash.

Brass was impressed by both players' performances against Oxford in midweek and is now looking for them to take charge of as many matches as possible between now and the end of the season.

He said: "The way Mitch and Darren played on Tuesday against two good midfield players they really bossed things. Darren Dunning has probably been our most consistent player this season and has done extremely well.

"I think the experience of Mitch Ward has rubbed off on Darren, who has got the legs. They have been a good combination but there's always room for improvement.

"They are good players who bring the best out of others and I would perhaps like them to take on a bit of added responsibility which I am sure they will. I would like them to step forward a bit more with their leadership qualities because they have both got them."

Brass is also hoping to bolster his midfield options with the return of Christian Fox, who has returned to light training after an ankle injury.

But the City manager is still unable to give an estimate on when Fox will be back in competitive action, saying: "He's done a little bit more but is not quite ready yet and it's just frustrating for the lad.

"He's unquestionably a very talented lad and we will be pleased to have him back but, at the moment, I can't say when that will be."

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, October 25, 2003