LIAM HARRIS has stressed that the York City Knights squad are eager to prove they "do care" to their supporters and head coach following Sunday's embarrassing 100-4 defeat at Leigh Centurions.

York conceded 100 points for the first time as they were thrashed by the Betfred Championship leaders at the Leigh Sports Village.

The Knights shipped 17 tries, including five in the last seven minutes, to leave coach James Ford questioning the desire and attitude of his players.

Harris and his team-mates return to the field at the LNER Community Stadium on Friday night (7.30pm) against Sheffield Eagles seeking to restore some pride first and foremost.

"It’s totally unacceptable to be a York City Knights player and dish out that kind of performance," reflected the half-back.

"We’re all hurting and embarrassed. At the same time, I know this team and I know we’ll be having some tough conversations.

“It’s important we address it but it’s also important we don’t dwell on it and beat ourselves up too much because Friday night is coming up quickly.

“There’s some bruised egos but I can’t wait for Friday. I honestly can’t wait to get out there against Sheffield to prove to the fans and Fordy that we do care.

"We need to show them what playing for this team means to us."

Despite such an emphatic loss at Leigh, bizarrely York's place in the play-offs was officially confirmed as results elsewhere went their way.

Having lost six of their last eight matches and with only three regular season matches remaining, the Knights are running out of time in their bid to put together some form before the season-deciding finale.

“Usually I’d say you’re probably a bit sore with a short turnaround but, at the minute, I think physically things go out of the window and it’s a mental thing," Harris added.

“It’s an important game building towards the play-offs and we want to build some momentum going into them."