York City Knights coach Richard Agar will have a virtually full squad to pick from for tomorrow night's big match at Sheffield Eagles (8pm).

It was revealed this week that all the long term injuries are back, no new injuries have emerged and Aussie centre Aaron Wood is the only doubt after a minor training knock.

The news will come as a nice surprise to Knights fans who have seen their side go through hell on the injury front this season, with extra resources being called upon on more than one occasion to get 17 players -- fit or otherwise - on the team sheet.

"Aaron Wood hurt his shoulder in training but apart from that we have got a clean bill of health," said Agar. "I never thought I would say that. It's probably come at the right time as well, because at this stage it will give us players who are fit and available, who will give us the get up and go that we need."

Long term absentees Chris Smith, Jim Elston and Dan Briggs are all back in contention after months of treatment and several operations between them, while Austin Buchanan is also fit again.

Smith has played only once since February 29 due to an on-going knee problem, but after three operations he is now ready to get back to face, ironically, the team against which he first suffered recurrent knee trouble.

But Agar is confident that will not be playing on his mind should he make the field in tomorrow's LHF Healthplan League Two clash.

He said: "I doubt it will affect him. He's an experienced player and he's come through training very very well and is raring to go.

"He's looked after himself really well and he can't wait to play. He's had a punctuated season through injury but physically and mentally he is fresh and raring to go."

Elston has also been under the knife for a knee problem, while Dan Briggs has been sidelined on and off first with a head injury and then a hamstring strain.

Agar hinted there would be some significant changes to the team that lost to Hunslet two weeks ago.

He said: "Our hands have been tied a little bit which in itself has led to a bit of apathy from certain players in the camp which we haven't been happy about, but we have been unable to do something about it until now.

"But we will be selecting on strength now and there will most certainly be changes from our last game. We haven't finalised the side yet, but, while there might be one enforced change, there will be others not based on injuries."

The squad will be finalised after training tonight.

Fans run buses to Sheffield game

York City Knights Supporters' Club are running two buses to Friday night's game at Sheffield Eagles.

One will go direct from Huntington Stadium to Sheffield and the other will make a number of city centre stops.

All places need to be booked by noon tomorrow. Times are approximate, based on Friday night traffic, and buses will return immediately after the game back to York.

They will pick up from: behind Huntington Stadium 5pm, New Lane (opposite Anthea Drive) 5.05pm, Dodsworth Avenue 5.10pm, Clarence Street (opposite vets) 5.15pm, Exhibition Square 5.20pm, Blossom Street (opposite Odeon 5.25pm, Tadcaster Road (outside Marriott Hotel) 5.30pm.

Prices are: adults £7, concessions (pensioners and 12 to 16-year-olds) £6, and under-12s £1. All bookings to the office on (01904) 656105 by noon tomorrow..

Updated: 10:56 Thursday, July 22, 2004