A LAST-16 Challenge Cup clash with Super League champions St Helens is a "fantastic" boost for York City Knights, according to coach James Ford.

Ford's men are the lowest ranked club left in the competition and the coach was delighted to pull out a plum sixth-round tie in tonight's draw.

The Knights, currently homeless due to an ongoing Community Stadium fallout, will travel to Saints' 18,000 capacity Langtree Park on the weekend of May 15 to 17.

"It's a fantastic draw for us as a club and for the players," said Ford.

"We have got the chance to go up against one of the best clubs in the world. They have got some outstanding players.

"Some of our young players have got a whole heap of potential and it is an opportunity to test ourselves against them.

"It will be a great experience for our players."

The potential for a large crowd at Langtree Park and a financial windfall was also welcomed by Ford, who added: "The new board and the chairman will have smiles on their faces at that draw.

"Myself, the board and chairman all want to take the club forward and this will bring some publicity to the club, the city and the sport in the area.

"Hopefully, we can go there and put in a good performance, and use it as a springboard for the rest of the season."

The reigning Super League champions and beaten World Club Challenge finalists present one of the toughest possible ties, but Ford is relishing the challenge.

"It is going to be tough," he said. "But I have got a group of young ambitious players and Saints are one of the teams they wanted to draw."

Draw: Widnes v Batley Bulldogs, Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC v Castleford, Wigan v Hull KR, Catalans Dragons v Featherstone Rovers, St Helens v York City Knights, Wakefield v Leigh Centurions, Dewsbury Rams v Warrington Wolves. Ties to be played May 15 to 17.