YORK City boss Chris Brass is hoping to combat the threat of Leeds United's forwards with a touch of 'va va voom'.

Brass was poised to add Marseille-born utility player Fabian Bossy to his list of trialists today, with the 25-year-old set to line-up against United's star-studded attack tonight if his flight arrives in time.

Bossy is one of four new players to arrive at Bootham Crescent in a bid to try to earn a contract, with former Sunderland and Darlington keeper Chris Porter, Harrogate Town left-back Dave Merris and Grimsby right-back Stephen Downes also arriving

Bossy, who boasts Paris St Germain, Clydebank and Ayr as former clubs, was released from Scottish League division one outfit Clyde back in April after failing to nail down a first team spot north of the border.

Brass said: "He played at Paris St Germain as well as a few other clubs, so he has a good pedigree. He wants to play in the English game and sees starting at the bottom tier as his best chance to move up.

"We will have a good look at him and see how he goes. When it comes to signing foreign lads you have also got to look at other influences such as how they fit in and the area because there is a danger of them becoming isolated if they are not happy."

Goalkeeper Porter, a former product of the Stadium of Light youth system, managed 12 appearances between the sticks for the Quakers last season and is set to share the net-minding duties with another trialist, Craig Turns, in tonight's friendly.

Merris arrives at the Minstermen having carved out a promising career in the UniBond League - firstly with Guiseley and now with Harrogate Town - after being released by Rotherham.

Downes, 21, spent last season training at Blundell Park with York tipped off as to his availability by Mariners chief Paul Grovers. As well as playing at right-back, Downes can cover right and centre midfield.

Other trialists to get there chance to shine against a strong-looking Leeds side will be another ex-Black Cat in Steve Capper, who missed the Sunderland game, Liam George, Darren Dunning, Aaron Wilford and Andrew Jordan.

Brass is also expected to hand run outs to skipper Darren Edmondson, Chris Smith and Jon Parkin, with the experienced trio shaking off niggling injuries.

The City chief added: "It will depend on us confirming everybody, but all of the trialists will have a run-out of some description. However, the players who are already here need their fitness so it's important they get games in. There won't be as many changes for tomorrow's game as we made for the Sunderland match."

YORK CITY: Turns, Porter, Stockdale, Edmondson, Smith, Brass, Jordan, Bossy, Wise, Merris, Cooper, Law, Bullock, Brackstone, Fox, Dunning, Wood, Wilford, Nogan, George, Capper

Leeds United: Martyn, Milosevic, Mills, Kilgallon, Sammi, Duberry, Harte, Richardson, Kelly, Barmby, Rostoe, Milner, Batty, Bakke, Seth Johnson, Okon, McPhail, Wilcox, Rodrigo, Smith, Viduka.

Referee: Alan Kaye (Wakefield)

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Updated: 15:07 Wednesday, July 23, 2003