TRINIDAD and Tobago international Andre Boucaud has been declared fit for York City’s home match with fellow high-fliers Braintree tomorrow (3pm).

But the 26-year-old midfielder is sweating on his starting place after an impressive substitute appearance by teenager Michael Potts during last weekend’s 2-1 win at Stockport County.

Boucaud suffered a groin strain in the first half of that Edgeley Park encounter but has made a swift recovery and will be hoping to deny former Blackburn reserve Potts a full debut in City colours tomorrow.

About his midfield dilemma, Mills said: “Andre returned to training yesterday so he’s okay. He’s back fit and raring to go but I have a decision to make.

“Do I go with Pottsy who came on and did very well at Stockport or do I go back to Andre, who’s had a good start to the season?

“Pottsy’s a lad who wants to play and his attitude has been spot on since arriving at the club.

“He’s the first to wish everybody the best before a game and also the first to pat people on the back after a victory.

“You can’t buy that and, with that outlook, he can go on and do well in the game.

“Everybody was delighted with his contribution last weekend because he’s a good character. He makes the lads smile and laugh, although not knowingly all the time.”

The availability of David McGurk after serving a one-match suspension also leaves Mills deciding whether recalled club captain Chris Smith or Jamal Fyfield makes way for the former Darlington defender’s return.

McGurk might also need to settle for a place on the bench, while Daniel Parslow is another option at centre-back.

City chief Mills added: “I thought Chris Smith did well at Stockport. David McGurk’s also done well before getting suspended and Jamal Fyfield has been doing okay too.

“There’s Dan Parslow as well who’s dying to get back in, but it’s all about big decisions as a manager. I have to make the ones that I believe will get us a result against Braintree.”

The Essex club arrive at Bootham Crescent as this season’s surprise package, along with Gateshead.

Written off as 150-1 outsiders for the title before a ball was kicked, last season’s Blue Square Bet South champions currently lie fourth after 13 games just four points behind leaders Wrexham.

Having already seen his side lose at home to newly-promoted Alfreton and Telford this season, Mills is not underestimating tomorrow’s opponents, admitting: “They’ve surprised everybody.

“I don’t think they’ve feared anyone and sometimes that works. Some teams start the season in the same manner that they finished the last one and they’ve done that very well.

“It’s a massive match because they’re two points ahead of us so, if we beat them, we go above them.”