YORK City Knights could struggle to field a fit squad for Sunday's big Powergen Challenge Cup tie at Featherstone as five first-teamers reported injuries last night while John Smith has been banned.

Furthermore, coach Richard Agar has had other things on his mind this week - as he became a father today when his fiance, Jennie Fletcher, gave birth to their son, James.

Nevertheless, Agar reckons it all puts the pressure on Rovers as his side will "have nothing to lose" as they go for a notable double over Gary Price's National League One side having shocked them in the Arriva Trains Cup clash on Sunday.

The Knights were already without cup-tied duo Ryan Benjefield and Tom Andrews, while fellow forward Smith received a two-match suspension plus £75 fine last night for an unnecessary late tackle in the win at Sheffield ten days ago.

In addition, Mick Ramsden had to come off with a knee injury on Sunday and he was joined on the treatment table at training last night by Chris Langley, Damian Ball, who is still troubled by a back injury after sitting out on Sunday, Aaron Wood, whose neck problem is still not 100 per cent, and fellow Aussie Simon Friend.

And winger Chris Smith will be out for three weeks as he will have a cartilage operation on Friday, the Knights having decided to go ahead with surgery rather than risk further damage.

Already on the long-term absentees' list due to injury or other commitments are Danny Seal, Joe Helme, Carl Hughes, Rob Kama and Neil Mears.

Agar was unhappy with John Smith for getting banned but otherwise remained in high spirits ahead of Sunday's big game.

"I don't think we've a lot of argument with it (the suspension)," he said. "Maybe two games was harsh but hopefully he will learn his lesson. I thought he played really well on Sunday and could have done with following it up this week but now we'll be without him."

But he added: "I'm really looking forward to Sunday because I think we've got absolutely nothing to lose.

"We're all knackered and no-one expects us to win even with a full team out. It's a one-off game where we can just go out and enjoy ourselves.

"It's a position we haven't been in much this year and one we won't be in very often in National League Two. It's a nice chance for us to enjoy ourselves without any pressure."

As for fatherhood, he added: "I'm over the moon. They're both fine but it was a lengthy labour and Jennie is shattered. I'm absolutely shattered too."

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, March 10, 2004