YORK City Knights' dual-registered players have four games left in which to tally up the necessary number of appearances to be able to feature at the business end of the season - and boss James Ford has admitted this may play a part in his team selection.

In recent years, dual-reg players have had to play five times in the 'regular season' to be eligible for the Super 8s section of the campaign and the play-offs.

Although the Super 8s has been scrapped in League One, that eligibility rule still exists for the last third of term - with the cut-off point coming after round 17 of 26 matches, when the Knights go to London Skolars on July 14.

Will Oakes became the first to become eligible for the rest of term when he turned out in Sunday's win at North Wales Crusaders - giving a man-of-the-match performance in his fifth outing for the club. Four more players - Matty Marsh, Will Dagger, Josh Johnson and Jordan Walne - can feasibly join him.

"We're keeping an eye on it (how many appearances dual-reg players have made). It makes sense to qualify them," said Ford of his dual-registered Hull KR players - admitting it can be a factor in team selection.

"While they're offered, it gives an opportunity to give one or two players a rest. Twenty-six games is a long season.

"Also, you don't want to come into the final five or six games with injuries - and without options of supplementing our squad.

"It's the right thing to do for the team and the club."

Also among the backs, both Dagger and Marsh have played four times for York so need one more appearance before July 17.

The only forwards who will now get close to the five-match mark are Walne and Johnson, who have both played three times after turning out against North Wales.

"It will be difficult to qualify anybody else," reasoned Ford.

"It makes sense to qualify as many players as we can, within reason.

"Obviously it gives us more options at the back end of the season.

"We will have to bring in some players as well. You don't want to go into the last few rounds with a depleted squad."