YORK City Knights are sweating on the long-term fitness of back-row Mike Kelly after he played almost the entire game against Workington with a troublesome arm injury.

Kelly suffered a suspected torn tricep in the opening minutes of the match but played on - going on to score a try, too, in the impressive 40-8 victory, which kept the Knights on the coattails of League One leaders Bradford.

Head coach James Ford was waiting on a full diagnosis. However, with Joe Batchelor currently being needed in the centres, any extended absence for the unsung 28-year-old could leave the Knights short on second-rows.

"It's sore and we'll see how it settles down," explained Ford. "It would be a blow for us and for Mike if he is sidelined. He's shown some decent form. Hopefully it won't be serious."

Former Doncaster star Kelly, rebuilding his career in the Minster city after some injury woes, began this season on the fringes of the York team, but has now played seven times, scoring five tries.

He was named the sponsors' man of the match against Workington, too, despite playing through injury.

"He did it tough for us," Ford added. "I think he's maybe torn his tricep and to play almost the full game - and get the man-of-the-match award - that shows how tough he is as a bloke.

"He put in a good performance, including some good contacts. There were some really heavy contacts by Mike and Joe Porter on Fuifui Moimoi - which is not easily done.

"He scored a good try too, showing intelligence to support (Ben Cockayne's run)."

Meanwhile, prop forward Rory Dixon has extended his loan spell with Hemel Stags.

Ford said: "We're getting good feedback from the Hemel staff and he's playing good minutes. He's looking like a player with potential."