BOSS James Ratcliffe reckons today’s clash with lowly Gateshead will be a test of character for his York City Knights side.

The Knights go in to the game (3pm) on the back of a horror show at Doncaster and, although they remain favourites to win, Ratcliffe reckons the Thunder should fancy their chances of an upset unless his charges show the right levels of enthusiasm and, in particular, defensive desire.

To that end, he put the players through strenuous paces at training this week and says sessions will remain tough until he is appeased by performances.

He was leaving it late to announce today’s line-up having named a provisional 22-man squad – including new dual-registration signing Dennis Tuffour.

Second-rows Luke Hardbottle and, in particular, Jordan Ross, are surprise omissions but they, along with crocked player/ assistant-coach Chris Thorman, are in the provisional squad for Bank Holiday Monday’s tougher assignment, at Blackpool.

Ross suffered concussion last Sunday.

Prop Brett Waller will almost certainly miss the whole weekend due to his ankle injury but should be fit for the next match, while Castleford duo John Davies and Jordan Thompson are away with the Tigers.

Additions to last week’s 17 are three-quarters Tom Lineham, Mike Mitchell and Tuffour, half-backs Jonny Schofield and Jy-Mel Coleman and forwards Alex Benson, Mark Falkingham, Kris Peacock and Danny Hill.

“It’s a massive game for us,” said Ratcliffe, knowing anything but victory would put a huge dent in any promotion aspirations.

“The whole weekend is massive. Everyone was bitterly disappointed last week. The performance against what I thought was a good Doncaster side was shocking.

“I will be looking for 100 per cent improvement, especially in defence.

“We did a full contact (training) session on Tuesday and the players have been told in no uncertain terms that’s what it will be like unless we defend like we absolutely mean it rather than just going through the motions.”

Knights: from Ratcliffe, Lineham, Reittie, Wilson, Tuffour, Waterman, Lewis, Mitchell, Bromilow, Schofield, Coleman, McLocklan, Stamp, Fallon, Applegarth, Freer, Benson, Falkingham, Peacock, Hill, Clough, Blakeway.

Gateshead: from Neighbour, Wilson, M Brown, J Brown, Bate, Clarke, Welton, Young, Parker, Aderiye, Clarke, Barron, Elliot, Cakacaka, Cash, Humphries, Walker.

Referee: Matthew Kidd (Castleford).