RUSS Howarth could become the second of York City's bright young stars to leave the club within a week after the England Under-21s 'keeper was handed a two-week trial by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Howarth, who is only on a week-to-week deal at the Minstermen after his contract ran out on June 30, was missing from the start of pre-season training yesterday, opting instead to train with the Division One club.

And with his main rival for the 'keeper spot, Alan Fettis also missing, to take part in a goalkeepers coaching course, John Collinson was left as the only senior goalkeeper at the session.

However, with Howarth making no secret of his desire to play at the highest possible level to further his fledgling career, the 20-year-old could well follow Lee Grant, who joined Aston Villa this week after spending six years at the York City centre of excellence, out of Bootham Crescent.

And if things go well at Molineux, Howarth, who has been attracting interest from Everton and Sunderland, could well join former City chief John Ward at Wolves.

Updated: 12:09 Thursday, July 04, 2002