YORK City midfielder Christian Fox reckons he has just one hurdle left to overcome before declaring himself fighting fit and primed for action.

In a massive boost for City, the highly-rated top prospect moved a significant step closer to a return to senior duty last night by completing his first 45 minutes since undergoing major knee surgery seven months ago.

Fox came on at the start of the second-half of last night's 1-0 reserve team victory over Walsall and had a crucial hand in City's winner, scored by trialist Michael Evans, just six minutes later.

Now Fox is targeting next Wednesday's reserve game at Darlington for his first full 90 minutes before closing in on a first team recall.

Speaking to the Evening Press, the 20-year-old former England Under-16 squad member: "It's just one more step now and that is a full game.

"It was only 45 minutes but the knee feels good and strong. All I need now is a bit of match fitness.

"Hopefully, I can get 90 minutes in at Darlington and push on from there.

"I just need to be playing well in the reserves and then hopefully the gaffer will give me a chance.

"The size of the squad means everyone is going to get a chance at some stage."

In a night of plus-points for City boss Terry Dolan, defender Neville Stamp successfully came through his first 90 minutes of the season after overcoming a groin strain.

Stamp produced a solid display and could be in contention for a senior squad recall for Saturday's trip to Hull City.

Nick Richardson and Aidan O'Kane both boosted their match fitness by completing 45 minutes each while Marc Thompson completed another 90 minutes following his ankle problems.

Trialist Evans bagged City's winner on 51 minutes, latching onto Fox's through-ball before coolly slotting past Walsall 'keeper Lee Harper.

Updated: 09:20 Thursday, September 06, 2001