SECOND-ROW stalwart Mick Ramsden is set to return to action for York City Knights refreshed after a two-week lay-off.

The 31-year-old veteran has been on a 'holiday of a lifetime' - which he booked last year before signing at Huntington Stadium - and is set to return as the Knights complete their regular National League Two season at home to Hunslet Hawks (ko Friday 7.30pm) aiming to hit the play-offs on a high.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres revealed Ramsden had offered to forego his holiday, plus the money he had shelled out for it, in order to play in the last two games, but the Knights hierarchy had turned down the offer.

"That's the sort of lad he is," said Ferres. "He was prepared to forego the holiday, which is something he booked last year before he joined us.

"He offered to myself and (coach) Paul Broadbent to forego that, and whatever it cost, but both myself and Paul said that would be unfair to him and (his partner) Louise.

"He had also been playing with a bit of an injury in the last month or so and we thought the rest would do him well. He's given 100 per cent for the cause."

Ramsden was likely to be a straight swap in the squad for powerhouse John Okul, who joined the lengthy injury list after breaking a finger last week. It is hoped that list would soon shorten. Mark Cain was to have exploratory surgery on his knee today, hoping he would not need major surgery and instead be back within two weeks, while Scott Rhodes is also close to a recall.

Rhodes, the division's form player before suffering knee ligament damage in July, had always hoped to be fit for the play-offs, which start next week, and is reported to be making good progress.

Boss Paul Broadbent, who missed last Sunday's brilliant victory over Chorley, which secured his team a play-off place, after an operation on his own ligament-damaged knee, was to be back in the dug-out tonight.

"It's good to be back," said Broadbent, who left assistants Graeme Hallas and John Kain in charge last time. "It is settling down okay now. I have seen a video of the Chorley game and the boys played some quality stuff.

"Once you get in to the play-offs it is cup rugby. We have a great spirit and belief and could certainly do well."

Hallas, who will be in action at centre, expects a tough game as both seek to finish in fourth - the place currently occupied by York with Hunsket one place behind on points difference.

"If we win it means we will be at home again (in the first play-off match) and that will be a massive boost for the fans who have been brilliant all season, even sticking by us when things were not going so well," he said.

Hunslet prop Steve Pryce (knee) and winger Bryn Powell (groin) are doubts and hooker Jermaine Wray is battling for fitness. Sean Ibbetson and Joe Hawley could come in.

Hawks coach Roy Sampson saw his side lose heavily at Barrow last week but has reminded everyone "not to write us off yet". "We are in the play-offs and that is an important step forward," he said.

Supporters should note that there will be no free bus service running to Friday's game.

Knights: from Godfrey, Deakin, Hallas, Stuart, Kama, Brown, Hughes, Brough, Hayes, Jackson, Helme, Forsyth, Callaghan, Smith, Krause, Riddell, Molloy, Briggs.

Updated: 11:44 Friday, September 05, 2003