York City Knights are hopeful that former Dewsbury star Ian Kirke will be fit to face his former club in what is the biggest game of the LHF National League Two season.

The Knights visit Tetley's Stadium on Sunday for a top-of-the-table clash which could go a long way to deciding the NL2 champions.

And Kirke, a two-try man of the match in the Knights' amazing 74-12 thumping of the Rams in April, is pushing for fitness after dropping out of Sunday's win over Gateshead in the warm-up having suffered a recurrent shoulder problem.

Boss Mick Cook said: "We're hoping he will be fit. It's a niggling injury that can come and go but he's been getting treatment at Leeds (Rhinos) and also from our own physio Hannah (Gray).

"We're quite optimistic he will play. He wants to play - it's against his club from last year and it's a pretty big game."

Prop David Bates, who is definitely ruled out with a knee/hamstring problem, is booked in for a scan on his knee tomorrow.

Dewsbury are likely to be close to full strength for the National League's game of the day with Francis Maloney set for a shock return and Richard Chapman hoping to shake off a shoulder knock.

However, they may be without head coach Andy Kelly as he faces surgery to remove a tumour from a kidney and his operation has been pencilled in at late notice for either tomorrow or next Friday, depending on a potential gap in the hospital time-table.

Ex-Super League half-back Maloney, an inspirational player in the Rams' line-up, has been cleared to play by a specialist, assuming he comes through training this week.

Maloney, who is averaging more than ten points per game this season, suffered a groin injury on July 10 and was expected to be out for four to six weeks.

Chapman bruised a shoulder in Sunday's draw at Workington but it has improved this week, with only long-term absentee Paul Seal (fractured cheekbone) definitely out.

Kelly said: "It's going to be a late decision on Richard Chapman but with a bit of luck both he and Francis Maloney will be okay.

"I'm probably the one that is most doubtful for Sunday as I'm on the shortlist this week, but all the contingency plans are in place if I do go in for surgery and preparation for the game is good with or without me."

York City Knights' Supporters Club will run coaches to Sunday's crunch game at Dewsbury.

Pick-up points and times are: Huntington Stadium (at rear) 12.30pm, New Lane (opposite Anthea Drive) 12.35, Clarence Street (opposite vets) 12.45, Blossom Street (opposite Odeon) 12.55, Tadcaster Road (outside Marriott) 1pm.

All bookings are via 07958 569266, leaving a message stating name, membership number and number of seats required. Prices are to be confirmed but will probably be £6 or £7 depending on the number travelling, though for over-60s, students and under-16s it will be £5 and accompanied under-12s £1.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, July 28, 2005