YORK City Knights boss Mick Cook was quick to praise Danny Grimshaw following the rookie scrum-half's fine comeback display in the win over Keighley.

Cook revealed Grimshaw had only been called into the side yesterday morning, with little time to prepare for the Co-op National League Two match, after Matty Brooks pulled out with illness.

The 21-year-old went on to score a try, set one up and kick four goals in the 34-8 victory, earning himself the Press' and match sponsors' man of the match awards, before being withdrawn late in the game.

He has recently been playing for the academy side but this was his first first-team game, following a lengthy absence caused by a knee problem, since making two appearances in August last year.

Cook said: "I thought he was pretty solid. He's come in blind in a way. He was playing against Widnes for the under-21s on Thursday to get some match fitness (so missed that night's training session) and I gave him Friday off because we thought Matty Brooks would be fit (after his quad problem).

"But Matty then came down with sickness and he pulled out late on Saturday night. Danny was called in Sunday morning."

Brooks' one-month loan agreement is now over and Cook will talk with the player and his parent club, Hull KR, this week about extending his spell at Huntington Stadium.

The Press believes Cook would want Brooks to stay, although the continued loan fee might be prohibitive, especially now that Grimshaw has staked his claim for a run in the side.

Grimshaw could also be a solution to the Knights' well-documented goalkicking problems, having successfully taken on the role.

Cook said: "Whoever picked the man of the match possibly gave it to him because he kicked goals. But he takes the line on as well, he's smart with his awareness and vision and he gets the ball in the right areas. He's had a pretty good start for his first game this year.

"We took him off as a precaution. I thought he'd done a good job but he was blowing a bit near the end."

He joked: "He's kicking goals so we have to look after him a bit."

Cook was quick to add that the victory was a team effort.

"The whole team stood up," he said. "We made a few errors but generally it was a good team display.

"Defensively we were very strong for long periods and there were some great shots put in there. We pulled off some quality defensive plays."

Cook also alluded to the good discipline his side showed in the face of some apparent spoiling tactics by Keighley and indifferent refereeing. "It was a good test of character," he said.

"The lads are pretty happy. We've worked hard and defended pretty well. We were tough and kept our discipline. It was a difficult game, to be fair."