GARY THORNTON is confident of keeping Brad Brennan at York City Knights for the time being.

The Huntington Stadium chief revealed the 20-year-old prop is likely to be with the squad that travels to South Wales Scorpions on Saturday afternoon and is hoping he will be in his plans until the end of the season.

Brennan was a key part of the Knights' 42-16 victory over Gateshead Thunder last weekend and has consistently delivered high quality performances over the past month.

But his loan stint from Batley Bulldogs came to an end following that victory over the Tyneside club and Thornton has been working hard to try and keep the bulldozing player at York.

Striking a deal has become even more crucial to the Knights with prop Austin Bell serving a one-match ban for punching in the clash at Gloucestershire All Golds and also suffering from an ankle injury that could see him on the sidelines for an extended period.

"I think we've agreed with the Bulldogs that we are going to keep Brad," the head coach revealed. "If not until the end of the season then at worst it will be week to week.

"It is looking positive that Batley have agreed to extend the loan period. Brad has been terrific for us and that's why I was really keen to get it extended. He has been a big part of what we have done over the past month or so and we are very keen to work it out with Batley.

"Touch wood we have certainly got him for this week and, hopefully, for the majority of the season."

Thornton added the benefits Brennan will gain by playing every week with the Knights is a positive for Batley and added the club would work around any difficulties arising from the player living in Wigan.

"He has come in and done a really good job," he added. "He has integrated really well and the lads have taken to him. He lives in Wigan and we will have to be flexible and work round that with four away games in the next four weeks.

"We are delighted he is likely to be on board and will hopefully see the season out."