MARK APPLEGARTH has been boosted by the return of three key players to his preliminary squad - including his captain Liam Harris.

The York Knights will travel to Sheffield Eagles on Friday, September 20 (7.30pm) on the hunt for a response to last Sunday’s 20-4 defeat to champions Wakefield Trinity,

Applegarth's side will have the hopes of solidifying their spot in the Betfred Championship play-offs against a fellow competitor.

Prior to the Wakefield defeat, York had enjoyed five wins on the bounce to break into the play-off positions with just two matches of the normal season remaining, as the Knights head to their final away match of the season.

Applegarth has made three changes from the side that faltered at Wakefield, including the return of captain Harris.

Harris is in line for his first Knights appearance since July’s 27-0 victory over Doncaster at the LNER Community Stadium, having recovered from a long-term hamstring injury.

Sam Cook is also back involved for York despite being initially ruled out for the remainder of the season, whilst Ukuma Ta’ai is set for his first appearance since June, featuring in a 34-24 victory against Featherstone Rovers.

Jack Teanby, Harvey Reynolds and Taylor Pemberton have all dropped out of the squad.

YORK KNIGHTS: 25. Antrobus, 12. Bailey, 2. Brown, 37. Cook, 21. Cunningham, 19. Daley, 3. Dee, 11. Field, 38. Gannon, 7. Harris, 22. Hingano, 9. Jubb, 41. Law, 34. Lineham, 42. Martin, 17. Michael, 18. Santi, 8. Ta’ai, 13. Thompson, 28. Ward, 14. Williams.