YORK City Knights player-coach Paul Broadbent is confident his side can draw strength out of the adversity of increasing injury problems.

The Knights have been hit by fresh injury problems ahead of tomorrow's home match against National League Two leaders Keighley (KO 3pm), in what has been dubbed their biggest game of the season.

Leigh Deakin (hamstring) looks set to miss out, second-row Scott Fletcher (lower back) is a major doubt and prop Andy Burland (groin) is also on the treatment table.

And with full-back Chris Smith needing a knee reconstruction and experienced centre Graeme Hallas suspended, the Knights, who were forced to wheel and deal this week to bolster the squad, face a major reshuffle.

New loan star Jonny Woodcock, who can play full-back or wing, is likely to go straight into the side, with recent recruits Leigh Riddell and Kevin Spink also possible inclusions in the 17, while Darren Callaghan is likely to start the match.

Broadbent, who was leaving it until late to finalise his line-up, remained positive. "At the end of the day everybody has an opportunity to perform," he told the Evening Press. "When one guy gets injured, it's another guy's opportunity.

"The guys ruled out have got experience and will be a loss but I expect these other guys to come out and play with enthusiasm as they try to establish themselves.

"An influx of enthusiasm and new blood can give you the kind of lift that is required so it can always be a positive."

He added: "I'm looking forward to seeing how we play. I think our guys are ready for it.

"We had a pretty ordinary outing last time and we've got to make sure we get back on track. I can see no reason why we can't do it this week.

"We've got to look after the little things and make sure everybody is playing their part and it will all come together pretty well.

"Keighley are a quality team. They've proved they can be very consistent this year so this will be a good test for us to see where we're at.

"We've got to make sure we are prepared and get ready for the game. It will be a really big contest, and the guys seem focused.

"If we want to see ourselves as contenders we've got to compete in these types of games. The last time there was a big question asked of us we came up pretty good and we've got to do the same this week."

Cougars boss Gary Moorby, who has described this as Keighley's most important game so far, is set to select from a full-strength squad, apart from front-row anchor man Phil Stephenson, who starts a two-match ban after being put on report for fighting in the game against Swinton. Richard Mervill or Chris Hannah will fill the large vacancy.

Knights (possible): Woodcock, Godfrey, Callaghan, Law, Kama, Rhodes, Brough, Hayes, Jackson, Forsyth, Ramsden, Cain, Krause. Subs from: Broadbent, Fletcher, Riddell, Spink, Bolus, Molloy.

Updated: 11:54 Saturday, July 12, 2003