YORK City Knights centre Damien Reid could be set for a return to Gateshead Thunder after expressing unhappiness with his lack of first-team opportunities at Huntington Stadium.

The 19-year-old, who was Gateshead's leading try-scorer last season, played in the Knights' opening game of the season, the defeat to Batley, but has not made the 17 since then, with the Knights recording three consecutive victories.

The Evening Press believes Barrow Raiders are also interested in the Scotland international, but the Thunder would be favourites to sign him should he decide to quit York.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres confirmed: "There is some uncertainty regarding Damien Reid, who is unhappy at not being able to sustain a first team place, and there are other clubs interested in him.

"Whether he will stay to fight his corner or move on to another club will be subject of discussions this week."

Meanwhile, the Knights are sweating on the fitness of back-rower Damian Ball and centre Chris Langley ahead of Sunday's Powergen Challenge Cup tie at Sheffield Eagles (KO 3.15pm).

Ball suffered a lower back injury and Langley pulled a hamstring in the win at Dewsbury on Sunday and both are rated doubtful for the crucial Cup clash.

"They are two quality players who have contributed greatly to the team's performances and the dressing room spirit," said Ferres.

"But if they do happen to be out, we've got very capable replacements. People like Mark Stewart and Tom Andrews - who is cup-tied this weekend - have not had a run yet and they're chomping at the bit."

Stewart, and fellow youngsters John Smith and Scott Walker, have also received a "massive rap" from coach Richard Agar for their contribution to the Knights' crusade, despite not making the 17 to take on Dewsbury.

Smith and Walker made way for loan signing Ryan Benjefield and Wales international Chris Smith, while Stewart was again 18th man, a job which apart from anything else entails getting physically and mentally prepared for the game in case of any injuries in the pre-match warm-up.

Agar said: "I would like to give these guys a big rap. They were not picked for the 17 but took it in a positive manner and it added a lot at our training. They gave no negative vibes and so I want to give them a massive rap for the professionalism that they showed, which was excellent."

He added: "We have doubts over Chris Langley and Damian Ball for this weekend but Mark Cain will hopefully be fit and I know for a fact the boys who weren't playing on Sunday will stand up for us."

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, February 25, 2004