HEAD coach James Ford has admitted York City Knights have growing injury concerns over skipper Ed Smith.

The 24-year-old two-time Press Player of the Year hobbled out of last Sunday's win over Workington which sealed fourth spot in Kingstone Press League One ahead of the Super 8s.

It was initially hoped the second-row star - who has been linked with Super League sides Wakefield and Salford this summer - had suffered only minor medial knee ligament damage, but the joint swelled up more and the medical team have since recommended he goes for a scan.

Ford said: "There are growing concerns about Ed. We're sending him for a scan and we'll have more info after that.

"Ed is a big player in the team and the club. We've got our fingers crossed for him and I'm sure the supporters will as well."

On the fact Smith walked off the pitch rather than departing on a stretcher, albeit with assistance, Ford said: "I'm not sure that's an indication of how bad it is or isn't.

"He's a proud, tough man - he'd walk off if he could even with two broken legs."

Fellow second-row Joe Batchelor also exited with an ankle problem, while hooker Andy Ellis was taken off early as a precaution as he comes back from his calf injury.

But Ford is optimistic both those players will be okay to take their places against Toronto Wolfpack in the Super 8s opener at Bootham Crescent a week on Sunday.

Prop Samir Tahraoui, whose debut on his season-long loan from Rochdale has been put on hold because of a knee injury and then surgery on a thumb, is thought to be nearing a return to full training. He had been expected to be available for the Super 8s and was due to see the specialist to check his post-op progress.