YOUNG midfield marvel Marc Thompson doesn't have far to look for inspiration in search of teenage kicks.

The York City squad maybe well-blessed with experience but it is the exploits of Christian Fox and Lee Bullock that Thompson is looking to match.

The York-born youngster stepped out of the youth team ranks late last season to not only make his first team debut but become a major part of Terry Dolan's red revival.

Such was his impact, the tigerish Thompson was crowned the York players' young player of the year.

He was handed a two year contract by City boss Dolan, who was impressed by the youngster's ability but also his no nonsense attitude too.

Now the 18-year-old is planning no let-up in his meteoric rise into the professional ranks.

"My aim is do what Christian and Lee did last season and get as many games in the first team as possible," he said.

"They are a bit of an inspiration. I played youth team with them and to see them to do so well shows just what can be done. I want to follow in their footsteps."

Not that the old heads of Peter Swan, Steve Agnew and Chris Fairclough were not willing to lend a hand in helping Thompson maintain his stunning progress.

"The seniors are great too. They help to build confidence," revealed Thompson. "There is nice blend of youth and experience and everyone seems to get on well."

Thompson admitted the offer of a two-year contract from Dolan at the end of last season was a dream come true.

The former St Aelred's and All Saints' School pupil would still have a year on his scholarship and would have been training with the rest of the trainees had he not been seconded to the senior ranks.

"It was a great surprise and coming back to a contract meant a relaxing summer," said Thompson.

"It is nice to come back and move up that extra step.

"It is a big strong squad and I will have to battle for my place like everyone else does."

Thompson made his debut for City in Dolan's first match in charge - a 2-0 defeat at Plymouth in February.

A regular with the reserves, he had not even featured in the first team squad until Dolan spotted him playing in a hastily arranged friendly with Huddersfield Town just days earlier.

Another youngster to keep an eye on this season is 17-year-old Leigh Wood, who made his first 'senior' start in York's first pre-season match - the 1-0 win over Marske United in the North Riding Senior Cup.

The central midfielder came to prominence at the end of last season, when he travelled with the first team for City's final match at Leyton Orient.

PICTURE: TOP MARKS: Youngster Marc Thompson, who will be hoping for more first team chances this season