YORK City Knights boss James Ford reckons Brett Turner has the hallmarks of an "out-and-out" winger - with further proof provided by his sensational try double at Rochdale on Sunday.

Hull-based Turner, now 28, rejoined the Knights in the off-season for a second shot at pro rugby league at York, having previously made 14 appearances for Chris Thorman's Championship strugglers in 2012.

He played half-back or hooker back then but returned this time as a full-back having starred in that role in the amateur game for West Hull, winning international honours.

However, all five of his tries so far this term - averaging one a game - have come while playing on the wing, Ford having felt early on that his talents best suited that position.

Those five include his mesmeric brace in the iPro Sport Cup quarter-final at Rochdale, where he started the game at full-back in the absence of Richard Wilkinson before switching with Ben Dent midway through the first half to go onto the wing.

“Brett’s got potential, even at 28,” said Ford. “He’s got some outstanding qualities – he's got pace, agility, he’s strong, he’s a competitor, he’s really good in the air and in kick reception. To me, he’s an out-and-out winger.

"I promised him opportunities at full-back so he will get some, but I think the boy can really excel and improve as a winger.

"And in this team and how we play, I would love to play as a winger.

“He just needs to keep focusing and working hard.”

Ford described Turner's double as "absolutely excellent" - the first being an "old-fashioned winger’s finish" as he beat his man on the outside after being given half a chance on an enterprising free play, while the second was "just sublime" after he embarked on a mazy 70-metre solo run on the counter-attack, beating numerous defenders.

Asked if he had seen any better individual tries in his time as head coach, Ford said: “It was up there with them.

"Kriss Brining scored a couple of special ones – the one against Newcastle last year springs to mind when he handed off every player on the pitch – and Greg Minikin scored a couple of worldies. But Brett’s was absolutely outstanding.

“I felt like I should have nipped round the corner and paid my way in because it was worth any entrance fee.”