BRENDAN O'HAGAN has a "possibility" of making his return for York City Knights this weekend, head coach James Ford has said.

York are assessing their options at half-back following the departure of Mikey Lewis, who was recalled from his loan spell by parent club Hull Kingston Rovers earlier this week after injuries at the Betfred Super League club.

O'Hagan has been struggling with injury and Covid-related issues throughout his first year with York and has played in just two of the last 14 games for the Knights.

However, after losing Lewis, he could make a timely return to the fold as York host Widnes Vikings at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (3pm).

Discussing the potential partners to Matty Marsh, Ford said: “Brendan O’Hagan has been training for the last week with the team.

"We were aiming at the week after for Brendan, the Featherstone Rovers game, but he is a possibility.

“There’s Corey Johnson, who dropped into the halves against Swinton and did really well.

“There’s Riley Dean and there’s Danny Washbrook as well, so there are some options for us to consider.

“I need to know that whichever one I go with, they’re going to give me 100 per cent, not just in attack but in defence as well.”

Ford went on to insist that he saw Leeds Rhinos loanee Johnson as a candidate in the halves, despite by trade being a hooker.

“First of all, Corey is a great kid. He’s very coachable, full of energy and full of ability.

"I see Corey longer-term as an outstanding and top-drawer hooker, certainly given his approach to improving his game alongside his ability.

“But do I think that he is one of those hookers that can also play half? Yes, I do.”

The news that Lewis would return to Hull KR was unsurprising given the injuries picked by the Robins' Jordan Abdull, Adam Quinlan and Will Dagger.

But it is another blow to York's search for some consistency and high-quality through the middle.

Ford said: "First of all, I’m really pleased for Mikey. Hopefully he will get an opportunity, but obviously that’s up to Tony (Smith).

“Obviously, it’s disappointing to lose him. I think his impact on the team in the run-up to Wembley was clear to see.

“He’s a skilful half-back but he’s also very willing to get stuck in, which on occasions I’ve not seen from certain areas of the field.

“I’d have Mikey back in a heartbeat. But, we’ve got to move past this and I’ve got other options.

"I haven’t made my mind up yet which option we’ll use.

“But the one I go with will be absolutely full of effort and obviously able to play as well.”

There was however good news this week on the loan front as second-row forward James McDonnell returned on a week-by-week loan from Wigan Warriors.

"I’m absolutely delighted to have him back," Ford said. "He’s a tough young man who works really hard and carries a lot of contact in both shoulders.

“He’s very athletic and runs a good line. He’s a proper back rower.

"In my opinion, James has a very, very good chance of kicking on and becoming a Super League player."