BOSS Gary Thornton fears Jake Joynt might not be able to play a full part in York City Knights' title challenge after his new job ruled him out of the last two matches.

Normanton-based Joynt played seven of the Knights' opening nine games this season but was unavailable for the Championship One win over leaders Hunslet 11 days ago and the trip to fellow promotion hopefuls Oldham seven days earlier after starting weekend work at Ferrybridge power station.

He could be in contention for Sunday's trip to Gloucestershire All Golds.

Thornton explained: "They wanted him to work at weekends for a couple of weeks so he was unavailable for Oldham and Hunslet.

"It was a blow. His work patterns have changed and he could work every weekend so it looks like it could impact on his availability to train and to play at weekends.

"We're hoping he will be available again but I don't know yet when he is and when he isn't.

"We're expecting him at training (tonight and tomorrow) and, if so, and if work isn't an issue, he will be up for selection."

Thornton is nevertheless set to name the same 17 that hammered Hunslet but has a doubt over James Ford (quad).