YORK City Knights face more weekend squad selection disruption, head coach James Ford has revealed - but are nevertheless looking forward to hosting Bradford Bulls.

Ford has made four changes to the Knights’ 21-man for Sunday’s (3pm) Betfred Championship clash at the LNER Community Stadium from last week’s win over Whitehaven.

The three players who have missed out because of Covid - Kieran Dixon, Jason Bass and loanee Aidan McGowan - are all available for selection after completing their return-to-play protocols, as is Jordan Baldwinson, who has returned to training after a back injury.

Danny Kirmond picked up a knock against Haven but he is fit enough to face Bradford, though Ronan Dixon - another casualty against the Cumbrians - has not been so lucky.

Kriss Brining remains a concern for the Knights, while Brendan O’Hagan has gone for an MRI scan on his quad.

“We’re going to have some disruption in terms of the side we select but we’re used to it and the boys we pick I’m sure will be really energetic and enthusiastic and looking forward to competing against Bradford,” Ford commented.

One player who will be relieved to find himself in the 21 is McGowan. The teenage full-back joined York on loan from Huddersfield Giants a month ago but has not yet played due to coronavirus.

“He’s a bundle of energy is Aidan, he’s good on his feet and has trained really well,” Ford commented.

“We were really disappointed for him and everybody involved that he picked up Covid but he won’t be the only player challenged by this.

“He comes across as a really resilient young man and he’s pressing his case to be included this week. We’ll see how it goes the rest of the week before we make a decision.

“He’s very quick and can find a pass on the edge as well. He’s good under kick pressure.

“He looks like an exciting talent.”

York: (from) Marsh, Bass, Salter, Atkins, K Dixon, Jubb, Teanby, Clarkson, Baldwinson, Stock, Kirmond, Green, Whiteley, Jones-Bishop, Warren, Washbrook, Dow-Nikau, Johnson, Gannon, McDonnell, McGowan.

Bradford: (from) Brough, Brown, Burton, Crossley, Dawson-Jones, Doyle, England, B Evans, R Evans, Flanagan, Fleming, Foggin-Johnston, Gallagher, Hallas, Jowitt, Lilley, Matongo, Murphy, Oakes, Pickersgill, Walker.