HEAD coach James Ford has backed local lad Liam Jackson to stake a claim for a regular spot in York City Knights' creative department.

Former Heworth amateur Jackson, who won a deal with his hometown pro club after a successful pre-season trial, will make his competitive debut on Saturday as the Knights travel to Cumbrian community club Askam for their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round tie (2.30pm).

Also making their bows are former Hunslet back-rower Jake Normington at centre, ex-Wakefield youngster Judah Mazive on the wing, former Doncaster back-row Mike Kelly in the pack, and ex-Hemel prop Dan Hawksworth off the bench.

Reigning York & District ARL Player of the Year Jackson replaces dual-registered Hull KR scrum-half Matty Marsh, who hobbled on through injury in last week's big Betfred League One opener against Bradford Bulls.

Said Ford: “Liam’s improved dramatically over pre-season, and in the trial games he’s done some things with the ball in hand that have been outstanding.

“There is stuff he needs to work on but he’s working hard and he’s got a fantastic attitude.

"I’m looking forward to seeing him playing and demonstrating he’s still improving and that he’s good enough to play week in week out.”

Ford, meanwhile, said of Marsh's bravery: "Some people say dual-reg players lack commitment - but the young man has played over an hour with a really bad dead leg.

"When Hull KR players play for us, they play to a very good level and with excellent commitment, as evidence by Matty."

Neither Marsh nor Will Oakes, who also played on dual-reg last week, will feature on Saturday, but on-loan Hull KR flier Kieren Moss is involved, even though it means he will become cup-tied.

The Aussie began on the wing last week before swapping places with full-back Ash Robson in the second half.

Robson made a couple of handling errors but Ford said the switch was no slight on his performance, saying Moss and Ben Cockayne likewise offer quality options at the back.

“I feel the three of them are equally at home on the wing or at full-back," he explained.

“Full-back is probably the position where you have to do the most high-speed running and there will be times where you need a rest. The difference in energy that you need is phenomenal.

“I’m not opposed to those three swapping within a game so we can always have someone back there with lots of energy and a lot of movement to get us on the front foot.”

Ford in total makes six changes to the side that were unlucky not to beat Bradford last week, the other incomer being hooker Harry Carter for Will Jubb.

Big names omitted include prop Graeme Horne, who picked up a knee injury last week so travels only as assistant-coach, and second-row Sam Scott and Cockayne, who are rested.

However, Ford insisted it was not a "weakened team".

He said: “All the senior players, in fact all the players - I don’t see anyone playing in every game. It’s a lot of games to play at the level we’re aspiring to play at

“I don’t want to lose anyone to injury. I need to give people rests before fatigue comes into it. I also don’t want to rest them all at the same time.

“Players like Andy Ellis, Sam Scott, Tim Spears – they’re going to have a rest once or twice. That way we keep them on the pitch longer.”

He added: “We have a good squad. They have trained really well and this is an opportunity for one or two to give me a nudge and a reminder about how good they are and what they can offer."

Knights (probable): Moss, Robson, Hey, Normington, Mazive, Jackson, C Robinson, A Robinson, Ellis, Ronan Dixon, Batchelor, Kelly, Spears. Subs: Carter, Siddons, Porter, Hawksworth. Stand-by: Horne, Jubb.