JAMES FORD preferred to focus on Connor Robinson's development - and improvement still to come - rather than wax lyrical about the half-back's latest landmark achievement.

Robinson's try and eight goals in Sunday's big win over Coventry Bears saw the 23-year-old pass the 400-point mark for York City Knights, in just 35 appearances for the club.

He is only the second player to have passed that milestone for the Knights since the club re-formed ahead of the 2003 season, and only the 12th in the whole history of York Rugby League Club.

He also remains Betfred League One's leading goals and points-scorer this season with 112 and 256 respectively, not including cup ties.

"I'm pleased Connor is getting some recognition," said Ford.

"He's worked really hard and I feel he's improved a lot. He's playing a big part in what we as a club are producing this year.

"There are some parts of his game he's aware he needs to improve but he's continuing to work on them and I'm personally very pleased with a lot of what he's done."

Robinson also currently has extra responsibility on his shoulders as the only out-and-out half-back on the club's books aside from the unproven Liam Jackson, who is still learning his trade after joining from amateurs Heworth last winter.

Asked if that made him a particularly crucial component of the Knights squad, Ford said: "Everybody at the club is vital.

"They've all got key roles to play and Connor is no different.

"He's a good player with his best years in front of him and I'm liking his attitude towards hard work and improvement."

Ford was also asked if he could afford to lose Robinson to injury in the title run-in, with only stand-in half-back Ben Cockayne otherwise in the ranks, not including dual-reg Hull KR schemer Matty Marsh.

He said: "I don't want to lose any player.

"It's unfair to Ben Cockayne (to say Robinson is the only proven half-back). I think Benny has been sensational for us this year and has produced some really key performances. Both him and Connor should be proud of what they've done.

"There are seven games left and I expect them to keep working hard to improve and to help give us our best shot at finishing as high as we can in the table."

Robinson has registered points in every single game he has played since making his Knights debut in a 52-20 win at Hunslet on June 11, 2017.

He has missed just one match since then, the win over Newcastle Thunder on July 1 this year, when concussion ruled him out.

He bagged two tries, 57 goals and three drop-goals for 125 points in 14 York appearances in 2017, and has followed with eight tries, 127 goals and four drop-goals for 290 points in 21 appearances so far in 2018.

His tally of 415 points in 35 appearances gives him an average of 11.85 per match.

The only other Knights player to have ever topped 400 points since 2003 is the record-breaking Danny Brough - and Robinson's average per match is slightly superior.

The future Super League and Scotland superstar notched 20 tries, 265 goals and six drop-goals for a total of 616 points in 53 appearances for York in 2003 and 2004 - breaking all-time York RL records for goals (178) and points (412) in a season in 2004.

Brough's average points per match in a Knights shirt stood at 11.6.