BOSS Gary Thornton says it would not be “the end of the world” if York City Knights get knocked out of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup tomorrow – but progressing would be “fantastic”.

The Knights take on Toulouse Olympique at Huntington Stadum (3pm) in round four, but, aside from the fact a cash cow could await at the next stage, Thornton has always stressed the Kingstone Press Championship campaign is his priority.

And that outlook is reflected in the omission of Press Player of the Year Jack Aldous, fellow prop Luke Stenchion and second-row star Sam Scott from tomorrow’s 17, even though Thornton was already without his dual-reg contingent from Hull and on-loan winger Nev Morrison.

Asked about the importance of this tie, Thornton said: “It’s a tough one to answer. In terms of generating cash, it’s important to get into the next round. I want to get as far as we can and bring more money to the club.

“But from a player welfare point of view, I want them all fit and well for the league, which is my priority. We haven’t got Hull players this week and that stretches the strength in depth in our squad.

“Then again, we’ve won three of our last four and we want to make it four out of five – that will give us a confidence boost. I’m a big believer in keeping momentum and keeping winning ways going.

“It’s not the end of the world if we lose but it will be fantastic to get through, to get more into the coffers and increase confidence.”

Aldous and Stenchion picked up knocks to a shoulder and ribs respectively in last week’s win over Dewsbury, while Scott, who has missed the last two games, took a new blow to his troubled hip in training. They possibly could have taken to the field, but Thornton was unwilling to risk worsening injury.

“Luke could have played had it been a must-win league game but I can’t see the point in making it worse – another bang and he could miss four or five games rather than one,” he said.

“It’s the same with Jack. He’s also played a lot of minutes in a lot of matches and it was probably in my mind to give him a rest anyway and use the rotation principle. With Adam Sullivan, Craig Potter, Austin Bell and Nathan Freer all fit, it makes sense to give him a rest.”

Freer returns up front after being dropped last week, with Thornton looking for more from the big man following his return from rugby union. The head coach, however, says his main worry regards a back row shorn of Hull starlets Liam Kent and, previously, Dean Hadley.

“It’s very young and inexperienced but, that said, they have a couple of experienced centres outside them and experience inside them, so we should be okay.”

That back row features Ed Smith, Aaron Lyons and Jack Pickles – the latter having finally proven his fitness following concussion against Barrow at Easter.

Kriss Brining, Jack Iley and fit-again skipper James Ford all return, while Ben Dent, George Elliott and James Haynes are vying for Morrison’s berth.

Thornton, meanwhile, admits to still knowing little about Toulouse, despite efforts to check out the French outfit. However, he has learned enough to know they pose a big threat. “I’ve seen the DVD of their win over Swinton (56-18 in round three) and they played very well, although Swinton were poor,” said Thornton.

“Johnathon Ford has a good reputation and, looking at the DVD, he was the main threat. Both six and seven – Ford and Mark Kheirallah – are very good, and they have another Aussie at hooker (Luke Fahy). They also have a little French hooker, Mourad Kriouache, who comes off the bench, who’s a threat. Their six, seven and nine make a decent triangle. Samy Masselot was at Wakefield last year.

“They seem big, strong and athletic and play fast and with width. They’re strong across the park, although they didn’t have to work too hard to get their tries against Swinton. We’ve spotted a couple of plays they like to put on, but really we can only concentrate on getting our own game sorted. Enthusiasm levels and execution can be the difference.”

Knights (probable): Carr, Dent/Elliott/Haynes, Latus, Ford, Browne, Brown, Presley, Freer, Lee, Potter, Pickles, Smith, Lyons. Subs: Brining, Sullivan, Bel, Iley.

Referee: Dave Merrick (Castleford).

• Prop Russ Dale has left the Knights. The ex-Wakefield academy player joined York over the winter.