YORK City today strengthened their squad by signing highly-rated Watford youngster Lee Cook on a month's loan.

The arrival of the 20-year-old could pave the way for wing play at Bootham Crescent - Cook is a left-sided attacking midfielder.

The new acquisition suggests City, who have struggled to score goals in recent weeks, may be ready to change their formation from 3-4-3 to a more traditional 4-4-2.

City clearly have problems on the left-hand side of defence ahead of Saturday's long trip to Exeter and changes may, in any case, be forced on the City manager.

Tom Cowan is ruled out through suspension, while Gary Hobson is struggling with a hamstring strain and Scott Jones is recovering from a groin problem.

One option open to manager Terry Dolan would be to play Graham Potter as a left-back in a flat-back four, with new signing Cook available to play out wide on the left.

On the right, Darren Edmondson could also revert to full-back with Argentinian winger Nicola Mazzina perhaps starting out on the right flank.

Dolan has yet to divulge just how he sees Cook fitting into his plans.

But injuries and suspensions aside, in the wake of Saturday's 0-1 home defeat to Oxford the City manager confessed his side had lost their early season 'spark'.

Cook's arrival certainly gives the City manager fresh options and will hopefully pep up his jaded looking squad.

Cook has come to City highly recommended by coach and former Watford legend Luther Blissett.

Blissett is a former reserve team manager at Vicarage Road and will have worked with the London-born youngster in the past.

Cook made ten appearances for Watford last season after recovering from a long-term knee ligament injury, sustained in Graham Taylor's last game in charge away at Burnley in 2001.

He was signed by Watford in November 1999 after he was spotted playing for Aylesbury United in the Ryman League.

City fans could get a chance to see the youngster in action tomorrow when City reserves entertain Grimsby Town at Bootham Crescent tomorrow, kick-off 2pm.

Manager Dolan has indicated he may be prepared to give Cook a run-out in the Avon Insurance League clash.

City chairman John Batchelor said: "It is quite an exciting signing.

"It should provide a new opportunity as to the way we play and it should add to our arsenal."

Updated: 12:51 Tuesday, October 01, 2002