PREMIERSHIP ace of saves Dean Kiely is offering York City's promotion quest a helping hand, the Evening Press can reveal.

Charlton custodian Kiely, who was launched to stardom by the Minstermen back in the 1990s, has clearly not forgotten his roots and has been passing on his tips for the top to City boss Chris Brass.

Bootham Crescent scouts were at the City Ground in midweek to watch Charlton reserves take on Nottingham Forest's second-string after being tipped off by Kiely (pictured right) as to the talents of a couple of Addicks' starlets.

The Evening Press understands City will not be following up their interest in the unnamed players, ear-marked as possible loan recruits, at the moment.

However, Brass said he was delighted City goalkeeping legend Kiely had gone out of his way to help his former club.

"People are willing to help us and that is great," enthused the City player-boss.

"Dean Kiely has put us on to one or two players at Charlton and has recommended them to me.

"He is just trying to help me and he also said if there is anything he can do to help York City he will do.

"Dean is someone I knew before I came to York but he has gone out of his way to help us and I appreciate that."

Brass, who hopes to tie up a permanent deal for central defender Richard Hope on Monday, admitted City were always looking to strengthen the squad.

However, and despite having scouts continually casting their eyes over players up and down the country, he insisted he was in no rush to draft in fresh blood.

After giving trials to former Manchester City striker Gary Browne and Tranmere's Paul Robinson recently, recruiting a striker remains a possibility.

Brass confirmed he would be casting his eye over Browne again once the player returns from international duty with Northern Ireland Under-21s.

A move for Robinson has not been ruled out, although the striker has still to recover from an ankle injury suffered when scoring for City reserves against Scunthorpe last month.

Brass reckons City's impressive start to the season should make the club more attractive to possible new recruits, particularly youngsters at top-flight clubs looking for first-team experience.

However, City's top of the table status also has a flip side.

Said Brass: "If I was a young player at a big club and a Third Division club came in for me, that they are at the right end of the table would make a decision easier.

"At the same time, people see where you are, at the top of the League, and people think the club must be rolling in money again.

"But unfortunately, we don't have money to burn and we have to be sensible."

Updated: 10:37 Saturday, September 06, 2003