FORMER York City trainee John Keegan makes his Scarborough debut today as the Seadogs' reserves visit their Rochdale counterparts for an Avon Insurance League encounter.

The youngster, in the third year of his YTS contract at Bootham Crescent, has been released by City, with Boro taking over his trainee forms.

He follows ex-City boss Neil Thompson to the McCain Stadium, and the Boro chief - who gave Keegan his first-team debut when in charge at Bootham Crescent - is obviously a big fan of the left-footer.

"I think he's got a good chance of making it. He's keen and willing to learn," said Thompson.

"We will give him a chance and if he develops during this season he might get a chance in the first team. He'll play in the youth team and the reserves and we will see how we go."

He added: "He's disappointed with what has happened at York but that's football and you've just got to bounce back, and I'm sure he will."

Thompson was set to give reserve team debuts to three more players as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Former Blackpool and Rotherham wing-back Barry Shuttleworth, 23, who made two UniBond League appearances for Harrogate Town last month, will be joined in defence by ex-Shrewsbury Town sweeper Craig Herbert, 24, while French trialist Cherif Diallo will start up front.