YORK City midfielder Christian Fox has suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury that could see him sidelined for a number of weeks.

The news is a big blow for City and particularly for Fox, who looked set to play a major role in the Minstermen ranks this season after being beset by injury problems in recent campaigns.

The 22-year-old was in sparkling form on the opening day of the season as City beat Carlisle United 2-0, only for a crude challenge from Adam Rundle to crush Fox's hopes of an injury free start to the season.

After an absence of almost two months, Fox finally returned to the City first-team last week in the 2-0 defeat at Bury.

However, he was noticeable by his absence from the City squad that tackled Cambridge United on Saturday, with player-chief Chris Brass confirming today Fox is on the treatment table again.

"His ankle has flared-up and he has just been very unlucky," said the City boss.

"It is probably an accumulation of the hard ground and his previous ankle injury, but it's his Achilles.

"Until the swelling goes down we won't really know how long he will be out for but it is really unfortunate."

In better news for Brass, Jon Parkin is expected to taste competitive football for only the second time this season when the Minstermen reserves tackle Lincoln City at Bootham Crescent tomorrow (kick-off 2pm).

Last season's top scorer has also been best by injury niggles and illness this season and has made just one appearance in the first team, as a substitute in the 3-0 defeat at Sincil Bank.

Parkin just missed out on a first team recall at the weekend but providing he comes through tomorrow's second-string encounter unscathed the 21-year-old could be in contention for the trip to Mansfield on Saturday.

Tomorrow's game has come to soon for City captain Darren Edmondson.

The wing-back, ruled out since that defeat to Lincoln with a calf injury, is close to a return to action although Brass is anxious not to rush his skipper back too soon.

Also absent from the reserves will be former Manchester City ace Gary Browne.

The Northern Ireland under-21 striker has been on trial at City for the last month, trying to earn a permanent deal at Bootham Crescent.

Boss Brass revealed Browne will continue to train with City during the week, but has joined UniBond League premier division outfit Whitby Town on a month-long deal in order to get match fit.

With City reserves only playing every other week Brass said the move made sense for both Browne, City and Whitby.

"He is getting sharper but by his own admission he is still not quite fit enough," said Brass.

"Hopefully, the games with Whitby will help him to get that extra fitness."

Browne will probably make his debut for Whitby tomorrow night when the Blues entertain Harrogate Town at the Turnbull Ground, kick-off 7.45pm.

Updated: 10:12 Tuesday, October 07, 2003