YORK City Knights have expressed an interest in bringing Hull FC front-rower Steve Craven back to Huntington Stadium, the Evening Press can reveal.

However, any possible return of the hard-grafting former York Wasps prop is likely to be put on hold due to ongoing injury problems.

The 31-year-old Craven has been released from his contract by Hull after seeing his past two seasons dogged by injuries. He was the Airlie Birds' longest serving player but has made only 15 appearances in the last two seasons after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction and then being hit by ankle problems this year.

Craven, who left York in 1994 to join Hull, played alongside Knights player-coach Paul Broadbent at the Boulevard and still lives in the Minster city. He was linked with the Knights as soon as news of his release from Hull became public, with the Huntington Stadium club admitting they had an interest but would wait until he was fit and ready to play before reassessing the situation. That, they said, might not happen this season.

Broadbent said: "I spoke to Steve Craven but he's still struggling with a couple of injuries, with his Achilles and shoulder.

"He would be a great asset if we could get him here but he's got to get himself sorted with the injuries and with a job before we could convince him to be involved with the club.

"I would like to think there might be a chance of bringing him here this season but I don't think he's in a position to put his name to anything."

As for the knee injury sustained on Sunday, Broadbent is to see a specialist tomorrow after the swelling had increased.

"It's double the size it should be and I can't even walk on it," he said.

"Until I've seen a specialist I can't make any real assessment but judging by the way it feels there's something not right."

The collection held during the Knights' mesmeric win over Keighley Cougars for the Jack Harrison Memorial Fund on Sunday raised £460.

Updated: 11:05 Wednesday, July 16, 2003