YORK City Knights boss James Ford is relishing a timely boost to momentum after revealing first-choice hooker Kriss Brining and loanee Micky Learmonth should be back to bolster his pack next weekend.

Brining broke a thumb in the win over Coventry in April, shortly after notching his ninth try in seven appearances this term, while prop forward Learmonth's initial loan spell from Huddersfield lasted less than two games after damaging ankle ligaments against Swinton in early May.

But, assuming they come through full training this week, Ford expects both to be in contention for the trip to Hemel Stags, when the Knights will be favourites to continue on the winning trail after backing up victory over then leaders Rochdale with Sunday's 40-10 defeat of London Skolars.

That game saw young number nine Harry Carter return to the 17 after being dropped and, while Ford praised the former academy ace's quick return to better form, he said Brining's availability will add more fuel to the fire.

"Kriss will be available next weekend if all goes to plan," he said of the 21-year-old former scholarship starlet, who became the Knights' then youngest-ever player when entering as a sub at Widnes in April 2011.

"He trained last week and we'll put him through more contact work this week.

"Before his injury, Kriss was outstanding, arguably our best player.

"It's a really positive thing for us to be able to bring a player of that calibre back in just as our momentum seems to be picking up.

"Micky trained back with us last Friday and he'll train with us this week. The loan is ongoing and he should be fit and available. He fits into the group really well and strengthens our options in the middle.

"The competition to be in the 17 is certainly heating up."

That competition for a hooking role also includes Casey Canterbury, as well as skipper Pat Smith, who has started the last two games at dummy-half after switching from scrum-half to take Carter's place.

Carter was back on the bench against the Skolars, in Canterbury's place, and Ford, critical of his recent performances, was quick to praise him this time.

"I was really pleased with Harry's response," he said. "He improved his intensity in defence, he was good getting off his line, he made that long-range break to set up that try (for Josh Tonks) and he put himself about. It was more like the Harry Carter I'm used to seeing.

"He's mentally very strong. I've known him throughout his career and am always honest with him.

"I was happy with how he responded to my criticism. He trained really well - it's not just about what you do on a Sunday but also additional things in your preparation - and his performance was better."

It remains to be seen if the 21-year-old's display was enough to keep him in the 17, though.

Ford added: "We've got three very good young hookers at the club, plus Pat Smith, who showed again he's good at nine as well as in the halves.

"Casey and Harry are very similar players in similar places in their development and the plan is they will be rotated. They're both good players and both give us a lift off the interchange bench.

"It's a good headache to have."