YORK City Knights believe the recruitment of Danny Allan could be a key moment in their season after signing the former Leeds Rhinos youngster on loan.

The 20-year-old utility star, a product of Heworth ARLC, has joined from Featherstone until the end of the season – and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s Northern Rail Cup quarter-final at Keighley Cougars.

The Press has previously reported that the Knights had targeted Allan on several occasions and general manager Ian Wilson was delighted they had finally got their man, especially with the number of injuries in the first team. The club have also been looking to increase the number of local lads in the first team and this signing, following the recruitment this week of York Acorn ARLC captain Mike Embleton, affirms that policy.

Wilson said: “We’ve looked at him before but haven’t been able to get him, but he’s here now and hopefully he can settle in quickly and give us some good performances.

“One of the main positives is that he can play in a number of positions. He sees himself as a stand-off or loose-forward but he can play in the centres or second-row as well.”

The Knights have long sought to strengthen their options at half-back and centre, even more so after playmaker Joe McLocklan was axed. They also now need to boost numbers in the back row after Jordan Ross joined Steve Lewis and Richard Blakeway on the treatment table, with Chris Clough also suspended.

Wilson added: “We’re lacking in all of those positions at the moment and with injuries we’re without a first-choice back row.

“He’s a local player as well, which is a positive. He will want to impress the York public and his family and friends in the stands. We’re looking forward to having him on the field.”

Allan, who is in the first season of his two-year deal at Featherstone after joining from Leeds, has also had a spell on loan at York’s Championship One rivals Doncaster this year – being a star turn as they shocked the Knights at the Keepmoat Stadium at the end of March.

He previously played twice for Rovers in the Northern Rail Cup and has since played twice for them in the Championship, scoring one try, but his opportunities have been limited due to Rovers’ powerful squad and good form.

Rovers lie top, with only one defeat in 12 games.

Wilson has not ruled out keeping him at Huntington Stadium next year, despite his contract at Fev.

He said: “Danny has played Super League for Leeds and in the Championship with Featherstone this year. He’s got very good pedigree and we saw when he played against us what a good player he is.

“He is contracted to Featherstone for 2011 and also does their community programme. If he shows up well for us I’m sure we’d be interested in keeping him here but we’ll have to see how it goes.”