THREE first-team squad players were being asked to re-find form or fitness in the York City Knights Academy game today.

Paul Higgins' Under-21s side face Leigh U21s at New Earswick (ko 3pm), with prop Dean O'Loughlin and winger Paul Clarke in the line-up looking to re-stake a claim for the first team.

The Press has already revealed that centre Chris Spurr will be back in action after his 17-month injury agony.

Clarke has lost his place to Peter Fox while another new signing, Austin Buchanan, has also jumped ahead of him.

Head coach Mick Cook, meanwhile, was keen for 6ft 4in front-rower O'Loughlin to get back on his game after a few indifferent displays for the first team. "I just want him to get a real good hit-out and start showing what he's got," he explained.

"He's a big unit but he's not quite making holes in the defensive line. I need him to start breaking tackles again and putting people on their bums."

Updated: 10:12 Saturday, May 13, 2006