BOSS James Ford has backed Harry Carter to come back stronger after leaving the rookie hooker out of his squad for Sunday's showdown with League One leaders Rochdale.

Carter has played only in fits and starts in recent weeks and Ford, wary of the 21-year-old's stuttering form after being handed the responsibility of the number nine shirt in his maiden season as a first-team regular, will instead hand dummy-half duties this weekend to skipper Pat Smith.

Smith's switch from scrum-half frees a path back into the team for fit-again Jonny Presley, who is set to partner Jordan Howden in the halves.

Ford explained: "I feel Harry's a player with enormous potential but some players fulfil potential quicker than others. Harry needs a week or two out of the team and I'm sure he will come back better.

"Harry could become one of the best players in the league if he fulfils his potential, but that's not the Harry Carter I'm seeing at the minute.

"We need more control and guidance from hooker and a Pat is an excellent player who can give us that. I believe in Harry as a player but he needs to improve and I'm confident he will do."

Ford also reckons Presley's return brings a calming influence which was conspicuous by its absence in last Friday's loss at Newcastle Thunder.

The 30-year-old also missed the big win over South Wales after picking up a groin strain.

Said Ford: "Jonny was playing well (before the injury), maybe his best stuff for quite some time.

"He gives us that maturity and unselfishness and I think we maybe missed him and his influence against Newcastle.

"He doesn't say a lot or shout it loudly but what he does say is worth listening to and he would have been a good influence on the group when we were making errors."

As reported by The Press, Ford hopes to have Castleford outside-backs Michael Channing and James Clare in his line-up on Sunday - if they do not get into the Tigers' 17 for their Super League match at Hull KR tonight.

The pair are in tonight's 19-man squad but neither played in the Tigers' big derby win over Wakefield during Magic Weekend and it is thought unlikely that boss Daryl Powell will alter his back line barring late injury.

Winger Nev Morrison is set to return for York on Sunday, too, with Tyler Craig likely to make way.

* Finals Day in the Kingstone Press Championship and League One will take place at Widnes on Sunday, October 4.

The Kingstone Press League One play-off final will be at 2pm followed by the Championship Shield at 4.30pm. The action kicks off at 11.30am with the Conference Challenge Trophy final, which is contested by clubs in rugby league’s fourth tier – the National Conference League and Conference League South.