Loan star to add "punch and grunt" to York City Knights pack

Ford has been impressed by his forwards in the two games so far - the big IPro Sport League One Cup win at London Skolars and last Sunday's gutsy if unspectacular Challenge Cup victory at South Wales Scorpions.

But he says that Menzies, brought in for a month on loan from the Super League Red Devils, will augment that power and strength in what is sure to be Ford's troops' toughest test to date.

"Luke's training with us this week and integrating with the group well," said Ford, confirming the 26-year-old will be handed his debut in the IPro Sport Cup quarter-final.

"He's a smart bloke and will pick up our terminology and systems quickly. He will bring a wealth of physical prowess to an already dominant pack."

Much-travelled Menzies, who has played for Hull KR, Batley, Oldham, Dewsbury and Hunslet, signed for Salford in the winter after impressing for neighbours Swinton in the Championship last year.

Added Ford: "I think our middle unit has been good in every game so far, in periods anyway. He will give us extra punch and yardage and even more grunt in contact when the other team is in possession."

Fellow forward Colton Roche, named in the Championship One Team of the Year last term, is poised for a recall this weekend after resting a calf niggle last week, while the club remain optimistic full-back James Haynes will have recovered from the back injury sustained in South Wales to take the armband.

Ford, meanwhile, says his side are being written off as underdogs in the Clifton Park clash, against a Tyneside outfit who have been afforded a new lease of life by the move from Gateshead and who head into the season at shorter odds than York for the League One title.

"According to some people in the media, Newcastle are heavy favourites," said the rookie boss. "We don't mind being underdogs. We're looking forward to Sunday to try to cause an upset."