York Knights' ongoing injury crisis has not dampened Mark Applegarth's enthusiasm ahead of his side's latest challenge against Catalans Dragons.

The Knights have done it tough on the injury front in their first season in Super League, with Applegarth once again unable to name a 21-man squad for Saturday's game.

Furthermore, the 19-man group he selected features as many as six loanees.

Applegarth, however, refuses to hide behind selection excuses.

"We'll put out a pretty exciting team," said the York boss, who has seen Paul Vaughan, Jesse Dee, Justin Sangare and Matty Foster join the casualty list.

"I'm really excited to see some of the youth get a chance. Whichever 17 we put out, they'd be going tooth and dagger to get the two points for York Knights.

"It's the 'next man up' mentality for us. There are a load of lads going really hard. I've got a core group that want to win every week but to be good winners you've got to be able to accept losses and learn your lessons from them.

"We're going through that process now. It's never comfy or easy but you've got to go through that struggle to achieve your goals."

York celebrate a try against Castleford. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — York celebrate a try against Castleford. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

Last week's narrow defeat to Castleford Tigers left the Knights with just one win from their past eight games.

Applegarth has urged his players to keep the faith.

"I've got a lot of frustrated lads because they're playing tough," he said.

"We're genuinely not far off. We've just got to stay level-headed and make sure we go a little bit harder and a little bit smarter.

Injuries have been a theme of York's season. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"The results will follow."

Catalans have their own problems after suffering a 58-10 defeat at Wakefield Trinity last time out.

Applegarth is expecting a different beast altogether under new head coach John Cartwright, who secured a swift return to coaching this week following last month's sacking by Hull FC.

"I was really glad to see John get sorted," added Applegarth.

"He's a great bloke. You don't hear a bad word said about him and every interaction I've had with him has been great. We trained against Hull when we were in the Championship and John couldn't have been more accommodating.

"Catalans will be hurting after last week. They'll get a response. John is a very experienced coach who will give them clarity.

"We're expecting a well-drilled, composed Catalans team ready to right the wrongs of last week."