FORMER Cougars player Jonny Presley reckons his York City Knights side are “underdogs” heading into Saturday’s iPro Sport Cup final at Blackpool.

The Yorkshire rivals clash in a lunchtime kick-off at Bloomfield Road as they contest the first piece of silverware on offer this season.

Both sides are also chasing promotion, with Cougars just one point ahead of James Ford’s men in the League One table but having also played one game more.

There are a number of links between the clubs, with Cougars boss Paul March having previously enjoyed a spell as Knights head coach.

Ford’s men dumped Cougars out of the Challenge Cup earlier this year and scrum half Presley said: “When you realise Keighley are the other finalists, it’s only natural to keep an eye on their results and see how they’re doing because they have come into some form and they are playing really well.

“We could be classed as underdogs with our recent results with the disappointing defeat at Barrow and the draw against North Wales Crusaders.

“We’ve played Keighley earlier this year and managed to beat them but that was a tough game.

“Both teams have changed since then based on the performance and both teams have probably improved. It’s a one-off game and anything can happen.

“While Keighley probably are favourites, we’re quietly confident that we can go there and win as well.

“It’s all about maintaining your composure and sticking to your structures and game-plans and doing what you always should be doing and not changing things just because it’s a cup final.”

York’s Challenge Cup win over Cougars could give them a psychological advantage.

Presley, who was instrumental that day, added: “I remember it being a tough game and certainly in the second half they were on top for large periods.

“But we put together a really good first-half performance that was able to see us through.

“I have no doubt that when it comes to the final, the game will ebb and flow.

“Keighley will have their periods in control and we’ll have ours. It’ll come down to who can keep their nerve and sticking to what works best for them.

“It’s nice to see Keighley doing well because I enjoyed my time there and there are a few players still there who I played with.

“I remember playing in the Grand Final with Cougars in 2009 when we got promoted to the Championship – that was a great experience.

“I think that whatever capacity you’re involved in a final, whether that be a player, referee, coach or fan, and whatever level you’re at, they mean a lot to you. That’s why I think everyone is looking forward to it so much.

“I also remember playing in the under-11s Castleford Cup final, when we played at Castleford Tigers’ ground – that was the first final I played in when growing up.

“My dad was the coach at the time, which was the only time he had ever coached me.

“He played Tina Turner’s Simply the Best before the match and after too, so it’s something I remember to this day and I was only a little lad then. If we win at Blackpool and I have my way that will be on the playlist after the match!”