"The lads said I'd be getting lined up by the Dewsbury players" - Austin Buchanan expects tough task as he captains York City Knights on return to Rams

Buchanan scored a hat-trick in a 48-2 win the last time he played for York against Dewsbury on their own turf, back in 2004, when both sides were in the old National League Two and the Knights had the upper hand.

Twelve years later, with the Rams established in the tier above, Buchanan now goes back as a big underdog, but also as a firm favourite among their faithful having enjoyed a decade there prior to his winter switch back to the Minster city.

To mark the occasion, Knights boss James Ford will make the 31-year-old winger York's captain for the day, with fellow former Dewsbury star Josh Tonks vice-captain.

"The last time I played against Dewsbury at Dewsbury was for York when I was about 20," recalled Buchanan, referring to his breakthrough season when he bagged 15 tries in 16 outings after joining from Leeds.

"We beat them by 40-odd points and I scored a hat-trick and got man of the match.

"If I could repeat that, it wouldn't be bad, would it? Realistically, it's a tough one, but if we can get something out of the game and we put in a good performance then there'll be reasons to be happy."

Buchanan, whose sole try in his three appearances since returning to York came in the fourth round win over Keighley, could hardly believe it when the Knights then drew Dewsbury - and he has been overwhelmed by the reaction since.

"I did ten years there and I'm really excited to go back," he said.

"I honestly thought playing at that ground was behind me. I thought maybe next year I might get chance to go back (if York get promoted), but not so soon after leaving.

"As soon as we heard the draw, all the lads said I'd be getting lined up by all the Dewsbury players.

"Then I started getting messages from the Dewsbury lads and (head coach) Glenn Morrison. It was nice - they were saying they couldn't wait to see me. I have a good relationship still with people there.

"I spoke to the chairman Mark Sawyer and they've been really good to me, offering tickets and a box for my family.

"James Ford as well has said he'd try to make it a special occasion for me.

"The Dewsbury fans have also been great, wishing me well.

"They're a good set, like the York fans. They're really passionate about their rugby league and always on the players' side.

"The Rams are going through a tough spell with injuries, but I'm sure they'll find their feet. They're a quality side and it will be really tough for us."

The Rams shocked big-guns Bradford Bulls in round four but have been missing up to ten players more recently.

Asked if he fancied an upset, Buchanan said: "We can score points and defend but doing that against a team like Dewsbury, regardless of injuries, will be a whole new challenge.

"Everyone outside of York expects us to lose, but we go into every game trying to do our best and we'll go into this one with the same mentality.

"It's going to be good to see where we're at.

"I'm not going to say we will cause an upset - they're a quality side with good players all over the pitch, players who can change a game in five minutes.

"But I will say we will do our best and if we come up with a good, improved performance we will be happy."

Buchanan, who began the season late after a hernia operation, was one of several players rested for last Sunday's League One win at Hemel.

He said: "I want to get as many games in as I can, but after the op I have trained continuously without a break really so I can understand it was a good time to rest me. Hopefully it will have done me well.

"There is competition for places all over the pitch. It's healthy for the team as we all know we have to be on our toes.

"It can be harsh on some players if they miss out but it's hard to argue with it when everyone's playing well and training hard.

"Also at York, there's a good squad mentality. We all know it will take 25 or 26 of us to achieve our goals, not just 17 on the pitch."