KNIGHTS boss James Ford is contemplating starting Ed Smith at centre in tomorrow's iPro Sport Cup final following his performance there in emergency at Newcastle.

Smith, the joint Press Player of the Year who is regarded one of the best second-rows in League One, shifted to the threequarters in the first half at Kingston Park after Tyler Craig exited with a hamstring injury.

Brad Hey has been recalled to tomorrow's squad as a like-for-like replacement for Craig – but Ford could yet leave Smith in there.

That move would mean player/assistant-coach Mark Applegarth rolling back the years and playing back-row instead of prop.

Ford said: "There's a chance Ed could run at centre. I know the team and exactly how I plan to go but we're keeping it between me and the players for the time-being.

"I've thought about playing Ed in the centres for a while. He went in there against Newcastle and was pretty good, to be honest.

"Brad Hey is a good option and there's a chance Ben Dent could also get a run at centre. It would be a first for him but he's got the skills to play there."