SECOND-ROW star Ian Kirke is a big doubt for York City Knights' home clash against London Skolars on Sunday after being laid low by a virus.

The 6ft 5in 24-year-old came off the pitch early during last weekend's win at Blackpool after taking a knock to the knee. That injury is thought to be a bruise behind the kneecap but he has so far been unable to test it due to his viral infection.

Boss Mick Cook explained: "He's been feeling a bit rough for the last couple of weeks and it got worse this week. He was in bed all day on Monday and is a doubt for the weekend."

The Knights also need to check on fellow forward James Ward after a slight recurrence to his knee infection problem, though that was not thought to be serious.

York could effectively win LHF National League Two this weekend if they beat the Skolars while Dewsbury and Workington lose their respective matches.

The Knights are big favourites to see off the lowly Londoners, but it is unlikely that the Rams will lose at home to Keighley or that Workington's unbeaten home run this year will end against Sheffield.

Updated: 10:40 Wednesday, August 10, 2005