YORK City Knights boss James Ford has warned of the threat Sheffield Eagles pose - and refused to be drawn on his own side’s play-off ambitions.

He has also insisted the early-season defeat to Sheffield does not give the Knights any extra incentive to win.

Meanwhile, half-back Connor Robinson could be in with a chance of starring for the Knights after leaving the pitch injured against Dewsbury Rams on Sunday.

A win tonight would see York go second in the Betfred Championship, for a day at least, before current second-placed side Toulouse Olympique kick off against Bradford Bulls at 7pm on Saturday.

The Knights at the minute are fourth on points difference alone, level on 26 points with Toulouse and Leigh Centurions with eight fixtures of the season remaining.

Sixth-placed Sheffield are not far behind, with their points difference nudging them into the final play-off spot ahead of Bradford.

Asked if the play-offs were a viable aim for the Knights, Ford said: “We haven't thought that far in front.

“(Sheffield) are a good side in the pack of teams fighting for the play-offs, they’ve got experience, a good coach, they’ve been there and they’ll fancy their chances.

“We just need to focus on ourselves. We need to make sure we get our preparation right and our performance right."

When these sides met in York at the end of March, Sheffield came away with a 24-16 win, with second-rower Ben Hellewell scoring two tries.

On whether this defeat would spur York on further, Ford said: “Previous games have gone and they don’t affect our preparations too much. We’re just setting up to win as many games as we can.

“Our next challenge is Sheffield, they’re a great side and we need to perform well.

“It was a close game at Bootham Crescent where they came out the top side.

“They’ve got some big players - Anthony Thackeray and the halves probably tipped the balance their way - good wingers too, and their nine is sharp.

“They’ve got threats across the field and we know we need to be at our best to win the game."