MICKY LEARMONTH returns to the Lions' den this weekend desperate for a much better outcome than last time.

The on-loan Huddersfield Giants prop suffered ankle ligament damage early on in York City Knights' match at Swinton Lions at the start of May, his side going on to lose 34-24.

He made his return in last week's thrashing of Hemel and now says he owes the Knights a performance when Swinton visit Elmpark Way on Sunday.

Learmonth also revealed he intends to stay at the club for the rest of the season - with the aim of helping James Ford's team to play-off success and putting himself in the shop window for 2016.

"I'm enjoying it here," Learmonth said after resuming his loan. "I need to get back to playing consistently after injury.

"I've had three injuries this season - one knee and both ankles - and I just want to be playing well.

"With the injuries, it's been stressing me a bit. I'm just taking it as it comes week by week, and trying to enjoy it as much as I can.

"The priority is to make the play-offs and hopefully I can help the boys do that and be a part of that.

"It's something we should be looking at. We had a good performance at Hemel and hopefully we can build on that against Swinton, which we know will be much tougher.

"I did ligaments in my ankle in the away match at Swinton so I feel I owe everyone a good performance. I have a couple of mates there as well. It will be a good challenge for the lads and I'm looking forward to it."

Learmonth, whose two-year deal at Huddersfield ends later this year, admitted he was playing for a contract.

"All being well with James Ford - if he picks me - I want to play well this year and then it's a case of seeing what unfolds."

Learmonth says he is also looking forward to York's first meeting this term with Oldham, which is next up after Swinton.

The 20-year-old big-hitter joined the Roughyeds early in the season on dual-registration only for that move to be aborted after knee and ankle injuries.

Oldham still have their dual-reg partnership with Huddersfield but Leeds-based Learmonth said when the York loan became an option, he jumped at the chance.

He explained: "I played a couple of games on dual-reg for Oldham before getting injured. The lads and the coaches there were excellent, but it was more the travelling.

"It's easier now in that regard, and I already knew a few of the lads here, which helped - lads like Jamel Chisholm, Kane Riley, Casey Canterbury, Jack Pickles, Colton Roche and Nicko (Brad Nicholson).

"As soon as I found out I could come to York I jumped straight into it.

"I'm looking forward to playing Oldham. I've spoken to a few of the lads there, such as Lewis Palfrey. They're a good set and it will be good to see them and play against them."