YORK City Knights head coach James Ford is looking forward to a tough Coral Challenge Cup tie against fellow Betfred Championship outfit Widnes Vikings.

The Knights travel to Widnes on either Saturday, April 13 or Sunday 14 for the fifth round of the cup.

Vikings, who were relegated from Super League last season, currently sit bottom of the second tier after starting term with a 12-point deduction - which they have already wiped out, having won six of their opening seven games.

Ford said: "Obviously Widnes are a very good side. If they hadn't had that points deduction they would be third at the minute.

"It'll be a real tough challenge but I'm looking forward to it and I think the players are as well."

The Challenge Cup tie kicks off a demanding nine-day run of fixtures for York, who face Widnes twice, either side of a trip to Featherstone Rovers.

As he did for the fourth-round victory at Barrow, the Knights boss is anticipating rotating players over the coming period.

On the pros and cons of facing Widnes twice in quick succession, Ford added: "We'll get a good look at them in the cup game but, having said that, I'm not sure what teams both sides will be able to field in the second game over Easter."