YORK City Knights are optimistic prop star Matty Nicholson will be fit to return for the potentially vital season run-in.

The 21-year-old former Leeds academy front-rower, a standout player at the start of the season before major surgery on a damaged shoulder, has been making good progress in his rehabilitation, boosting hopes he can rejoin the ranks at a crucial time.

There are a dozen games to go of the Kingstone Press Championship’s regular campaign – in which only seven points currently separate sixth place from last – with the Knights looking to climb away from the danger zone and into the play-off picture. There is a chance Nicholson may return to action for the last six of those 12.

Boss Gary Thornton said: “He’s doing well in his rehab. I’m not one to set targets for him but we’re hoping to see him back this season. He’s been back running and doing some fitness work, and I’m expecting him to be available for perhaps six games – which would be fantastic.

“He’s had a massive operation, so we need to make sure it’s right. The last thing we want is for him to come back too early, break down and then be out for another year.”

• KNIGHTS prop Luke Stenchion will go before the Rugby Football League disciplinary panel next week after he was charged with committing a grade ‘C’ dangerous throw offence in the 51st minute of last Sunday’s loss at Featherstone.

The tackle left Jack Bussey needing treatment on and off the field, although the forward later returned to the fray.

If found guilty, Stenchion faces a two-game or three-game suspension, something the Knights could well do without given their current shortage up front.