YORK Knights boss Andrew Henderson is proud of  young loanee Oli Pratt, who is in line to make his Betfred Super League debut for parent club Wakefield Trinity tomorrow evening.

Despite wins against both Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors, it's been a torrid season for the West Yorkshire club, whose relegation to the Betfred Championship was confirmed in heartbreaking fashion last weekend.

After a drop goal from former Man of Steel Luke Gale had forced the game into golden point extra time, Leigh Leopards' Gareth O'Brien responded in the 89th minute to seal a 20-19 victory for his side.

York-born Pratt first joined his hometown club in May, making his debut in the Knights' thrilling 30-28 victory against London Broncos before opening his account for the club against Newcastle Thunder the following week.

Wakefield Trinity loanee Oli Pratt back to his best at York Knights

That saw him recalled to make his maiden first-team appearance for Trinity in their 40-12 Betfred Challenge Cup defeat to Leigh, before being named as Mark Applegarth's 18th man for their trip to French giants Catalans Dragons.

Pratt marked his return to the Knights with a run of starts, but fell behind outgoing captain Chris Clarkson and Jesse Dee in the position, failing to make an appearance throughout July.

But he has grabbed his opportunity with both hands since, his neat footwork and bursts of pace seeing him cross for a brace of tries against Swinton Lions and in Monday's dramatic 15-14 triumph over Batley Bulldogs.

York Knights' young guns shining after dramatic Widnes comeback

Head coach Andrew Henderson admits that he delivered some home truths during that period, but has been delighted with Pratt's performances since his return to the starting line-up.

"Oli, he came in and impressed early and then had a bit of a drop off in his performances," he admitted to The Press.

"But that's natural, and that's part of the development process for young players. They're going to make mistakes and they have to learn. 

"I think he was out for about three weeks, I kept him out of the team to work on some areas and he also went back to Wakefield to work on some areas too.

"But he has earned the right to get back into the team and he's on that upward trajectory. His confidence is growing, he's improved the areas of the game that I needed him to and he's adding some real value within the team."

York Knights in agreement with Wakefield decision to recall Oli Pratt

Though disappointed not to have the young centre at his disposal for Sunday's regular season closer at Barrow Raiders (3pm), Henderson is proud to have aided Pratt's development at the Knights and is pleased to see him given a chance to show his talents in the top flight.

"It's just a shame that we're not going to have him available for our final game, as Wakefield have recalled him for their fixture on Friday night," he conceded.

"It's great, and I'm really pleased for Oli that he'll be able to make his Super League debut this week. I'm really pleased that he gets that opportunity, because it's a special moment for any player in their career to make their Super League debut.

"He's worked hard here at York to get there and make that dream happen.

"I'm pleased that we've been able to facilitate that part of his development to get him the opportunity to now play Super League. I'm so proud of that as a coach, and I'm proud of what we've been able to do for him.

"Obviously, it's disappointing that we don't have him for us this week, as we could really need him.

"But at the end of the day, he's a Wakefield player. We're thankful that we had the opportunity to have him here and to contribute the way that he has done for us this season."