GARY THORNTON has warned fans not to expect another rout when Oldham return to Huntington Stadium this time with a Grand Final place up for grabs - though he still reckons his vibrant York City Knights side will prevail.

The Roughyeds were hammered 54-12 by Thornton's rampant charges in July, but since then have endured only one other loss and, in addition to putting 68 points past Gloucestershire All Golds, have twice edged high-riding rivals Hunslet by a point - including in last Friday night's opening Championship One play-off tussle.

The Knights boss expects them to be in buoyant mood and hitting their peak for tomorrow's qualifying semi-final (3pm) - but he says his men, on the back of a ten-match winning streak stretching back to June 8, are themselves now "relishing the big time" of a semi-final series.

"We've got to be confident - why would we not be? We've won the league and we're in good form," he said, notwithstanding their latest outing - an unconvincing 38-28 win over London Skolars, albeit after top spot had been guaranteed.

"We know the Skolars game was uncharacteristic. We're not concerned by that. Enthusiasm levels are tremendous and we've had a really good week in training.

"This is the big time now and people are relishing it."

York have also been boosted by the return to fitness of in-form full-back James Haynes, who missed the Skolars match after breaking a rib during a man-of-the-match performance in the thrilling win at Hunslet.

"We've got every reason to be confident," added Thornton. "We want Oldham to be at full strength so we can take on their full-strength team and set a marker for the Grand Final."

Asked if he expected a repeat of that July cracker, he said: "No, not at all. None of our players do either. It will be a lot tougher.

"It will be a very tough game against a full committed team who will look to roll us over. They will be fired up and fully prepared.

"You can learn from defeats and they will have done that. They will be confident too.

"They gave a terrific performance last week, particularly in the second half. They're bound to come here expecting to turn us over. It's play-off football. We have to perform on the day. That showed at Hunslet - they were in control against Oldham but effectively blew it."

Responding to Oldham boss Scott Naylor's claims that Oldham remain third favourites behind York and Hunslet to reach the final, Thornton added: "We are favourites as we won the league and are at home, but I think that's a bit of paper talk. There's no doubt they will want to win and expect to win."

Haynes' return frees up Ben Reynolds to re-form his devastating half-back partnership with Pat Smith, Benn Hardcastle unfortunate to drop back out.

Second-row Ryan Backhouse is also set for the sidelines, as Ryan Mallinder, rested against the Skolars, is preferred at second row while Austin Bell, who returned from an eight-game absence against the Londoners, keeps his place as Thornton looks to combat Oldham's size and power down the middle. Backhouse has played in the last 13 games.

Tyler Craig likewise misses out as Thornton goes with fit-again James Ford's experience at centre.

Said Thornton: "These are tough selection decisions. It's a rubbish part of the job when you've got good players competing for places and you have to leave people out who are playing well.

"But there's still a pathway back into the team. Hopefully they'll be positive about it and make sure they come back stronger."

As for Haynes' fitness, Thornton added: "We wouldn't pick him if he isn't good to go. He's had some pretty rigorous training - we've bashed him up and he's fine. It's a big boost to have him back."

Knights (probable): Haynes, Saltonstall, James Ford, Minikin, B Dent. Reynolds, P Smith, Roche, Lee, Aldous, Mallinder, E Smith, Paterson. Subs: from Brining, Brennan, Bell, Tonks, Craig, Backhouse.

Oldham (possible): Neild, Clay, Cookson, Jon Ford, Bloomfield, Palfrey, Roper, Joy, Owens, Boults, Crowley, Langtree. Subs: from Thompson, Ward, Mason, Hughes, Tyson, Mooney, Wood, Gee.

Referee: George Stokes (St Helens).