MOVE-SEEKING York City goalkeeper Russ Howarth was today playing a waiting game to see if a Premiership dream comes alive.

Premier League pace-setters Tottenham Hotspur were expected to contact the 20-year-old today as to whether they will firm up their interest in him with a

concrete offer.

And that means City were also anxiously awaiting developments from Spurs after the England Under-20 'keeper featured in a practice match for Spurs behind

closed doors yesterday.

Should Glenn Hoddle's club weigh in with a bid for Howarth - like all other Premier League clubs they face the transfer window closing shut on them in

less than 48 hours right through to January - then City might expect to net close on the £500,000 minimum they might expect for the young net-minder.

The north Londonders also suffered a major blow this week when their Scotland international 'keeper Neil Sullivan broke a finger to face two months on the

sidelines leaving American Kasey Keller as their lone senior number one.

Howarth's competitive appearance for Spurs was hardly memorable. A Tottenham side comprising youth players crashed 8-0 behind closed doors at their

Chigwell training base to a Fulham team that included internationals such as John Collins and Bjarne Goldbaek and big-money signings like Barry Hayles and Lee Clark.

The York 'keeper - City still hold his registration despite his determination to seize a move from Bootham Crescent in the quest for senior football - played for the opening 40 minutes by which time the Cottagers led 4-0.

"It was a bit bizarre as it was literally a case of men against boys. But I did all right. I wasn't at fault for any of the goals I conceded, so I'll just have to wait and see."

Howarth was desperate for his uncertain future to be sorted one way or the other.

Still waiting in the wings if Spurs' interest cools is a possible switch to Wolves, where he has been on 'trial' since almost the start of pre-season until last week's sudden intervention by Tottenham.

A move to the Molineux home of the First Division title favourites has so far not materialised because Wolves' offer for Howarth fell well short of City's

valuation. It is believed that the offer was nothing more than £50,000 for a player, who, only last summer, had his potential underscored by a call up into

the England Under-21 ranks for the Toulon tournament.

Added the 20-year-old Howarth: "A decision has to be made one way or another quite soon. It's been eight weeks now and I need to get something sorted."

York City reserves made it two wins from their first two games in the Avon Insurance League Division One (east) with a 2-1 victory at Lincoln City.

Goals from Brazilian striker Rogerio, his second in successive second-string matches, and Leigh Wood sealed the win.

Updated: 12:19 Thursday, August 29, 2002