JAMES FORD admits he is unsure of York City Knights' half-back options for Sunday's Betfred Championship play-off semi-final at Leigh Centurions (2pm), but insists that the dilemma is "irrelevant" to the outcome.

Liam Harris is York's only fit half-back at present, having lost Ata Hingano for the season to an ankle injury, a quad problem keeping out Brendan O'Hagan and Jamie Ellis suffering from a suspected ruptured bicep.

Ellis was replaced in the halves by Chris Clarkson in Sunday's 26-24 quarter-final win at Halifax Panthers, but the captain is set to return to the forward pack following the one-match suspension picked up by Danny Kirmond, which leaves the Knights short of options in the back-row.

When asked about his availability at half-back, Ford conceded: “I don’t know yet, we’ll have to have a look at what we’ve got.

"There’s Myles Harrison or Tommy Inman, who filled in briefly there against Featherstone (Rovers, in July's 30-22 away defeat).

“I think it’s irrelevant really. This game isn’t going to won on us playing high percentage and structured rugby.

“There’s going to be some unconventional stuff. Almost like kid’s rugby, positions are a bit less important.”

On Kirmond's ban, received for a late shot against Halifax's Joe Keyes, Ford said: "It's a little bit frustrating.

"It's late, it’s a yellow card and it’s a Grade ‘B’ charge. I’ve no issues with the grading or the punishment.

“But all season, it (the ban) has been (served) the week after in the Championship and they’ve changed it for the play-offs. I don’t think that should be the case."

Ford also confirmed that outside back Brad Ward will be absent with a shoulder problem and prop forward Ronan Dixon "is very unlikely to play" amid an Achilles issue.

The pair make up a 10-player absentee list, which also includes Will Oakes (groin), Masi Matongo (shoulder), Pauli Pauli (ACL) and Butterworth (ACL).