YORK City Knights could be set for a timely boost ahead of the play-offs with the news that play-maker supreme Scott Rhodes is in line for a return.

However, the Knights' injury jinx has not abated as winger Leigh Deakin could well miss the knockout series after cracking two ribs in the first half of Friday's win over Hunslet.

Furthermore, Mark Cain, already out since mid-August, is still two weeks away from fitness after the check-up on his troublesome knee found cartilage damage.

Stand-off Rhodes had been the form player in National League Two until he sustained a knee injury in the defeat by former club Sheffield in late July.

However, he always said he hoped to be back in time for the play-offs and coach Paul Broadbent today confirmed he could be fit for Sunday's elimination tie at home to Barrow.

"He will try to do a full week's training this week and we'll see where we go from there," he said.

"At this stage we think he will be in contention for Sunday but we'll see how he goes."

The loss of Deakin is a big blow as it leaves the Knights short of wingers, especially as Rob Kama is facing a suspension following his red card against Hunslet.

Kama will be available to play against Barrow as his disciplinary hearing does not take place until next Tuesday, but thereafter it could leave Alex Godfrey as the only available specialist winger - and he's been playing at full-back. Gavin Molloy or Stuart Godfrey could step in.

Broadbent added: "It would relieve the pressure a bit if he (Kama) does get 'sending-off sufficient', but I will be surprised if that happens and if he is going to get suspended we've got to deal with it.

"However, he will be available on Sunday and that is the important thing for us right now. The guys seems pretty up for it. It's a very big game. The guys are four games away from achieving something they will be able to remember for a long time.

"We will take each game as it comes and play it like it's our last."

Updated: 11:17 Thursday, September 11, 2003