YORK City Knights have been dealt a major blow with the news star full-back Chris Smith will miss the rest of the season.

The 27-year-old former Super League Grand Final winner jarred his knee at the end of the win over Workington Town three weeks ago, and it has now been confirmed he suffered cruciate ligament damage.

The club will be seeking a second opinion this week to verify the injury, but they are resigned to losing him for the second half of the National League Two campaign.

Chief executive Steve Ferres said: "It does not look like Chris will play again this season.

"It's a massive blow. He has been in tremendous form and is an integral part of the set-up. He's been a great influence on and off the field with his experience and ability.

"We will get a second opinion and we will then get straight on with surgery. Hopefully he will be fit for next season."

Smith, who has never disguised his desire to return to Super League, had been on a month-to-month contract, but Ferres will now look to sign him up for next season, showing how highly the club rate him.

"He has had cruciate ligament damage previously on his other knee and knows what it's all about and the rehabilitation he has to do," he said. "Hopefully we'll have him back, we would like to conclude a deal for next season."

The Knights have now lost two full-backs to severe knee injuries, with Smith following Matt Blaymire onto the long-term injury list, while a third full-back, Lee Moreton, who signed from amateur club West Hull last month, has not been able to train properly with the club because of work commitments.

Ferres said: "Losing Chris is our biggest blow of the season and it has happened before our biggest game (at home to Keighley on Sunday).

"Hopefully it will galvanise the side and get them up for it."

He added the club would be searching for a replacement: "The phone will be red hot."

Meanwhile, the Knights are looking sign former Super League star Brad Hepi.

Ferres has had talks with the much-travelled 35-year-old forward following his release, due to travelling demands from Hull, from National League One club Doncaster Dragons last week. Hull KR are also said to be interested.

Ferres has also been in negotiations with two Normanton-based Yorkshire amateur players, a prop and back-row forward.

Ferres said: "We have spoken to Brad Hepi. He's a bit disillusioned with the game at the moment but I'm hopeful I can persuade him to come and join us."

Updated: 11:27 Tuesday, July 08, 2003