YORK City Knights boss James Ford insists his players have not talked about Wembley - but instead are focusing on the latest hurdle to getting there.

The Knights take on Batley Bulldogs at Bootham Crescent tonight (7.30pm) for a place in the semi-finals of the new 1895 Cup, the final of which will be at the national stadium on Challenge Cup final day.

While the buoyant club have prioritised their Championship campaign this year, Ford has long said he wants to help his players get to run out on the hallowed turf in the capital. But he also insists they are not getting ahead of themselves.

Asked if the players are already talking of Wembley, Ford said: "No.

"I think it would be disrespectful to other teams to do that. We have to focus on the challenge in front of us. We're focusing on Batley.

"We've talked about the block of games we're in and Batley being a really tough obstacle.

"We know they will be a real challenge and we're looking forward to it."

York held on to beat the Bulldogs 28-24 in the league in early May - reversing the result from their pre-season meeting at Mount Pleasant.

After that, the Bulldogs won three times on the trot, including seeing off Rochdale in the 1895 Cup second round, but they have lost their last three outings, being pipped 28-22 at Widnes on Sunday.

While the Knights are flying high in fourth, level on points with the two teams above them, the Bulldogs lie ninth in the table, looking over their shoulders at the relegation scrap.

Nevertheless the ingredients are there for a mouthwatering encounter, as underlined by the fact the tie has been chosen for live broadcast on the RFL’s Our League app.

Ford said: "We're expecting to face a good Batley side. They've got experience in their side and some fantastic individuals and we know we'll have to play well.

"If we don't hit our standards in all areas of the game, we could be in for a tough time - that goes for any team in the Championship. We've learnt that lesson."