Whitehaven coach Carl Forster is urging his young guns to take inspiration from the club’s retiring duo.

Skipper Scott McAvoy and record try-scorer Craig Calvert were given an emotional farewell by fans after playing their final derby game at the weekend.

“I see no reason why the likes of Jordan Burns, Connor Holliday and Lewis Brown can’t go on to enjoy the same sort of careers.

“As one club men who have played so long they set the targets that others should aspire to,” said Forster.

McAvoy and Calvert still have key roles to play in Whitehaven’s bid to regain their Championship status at the first time of asking.

Although accorded special farewells to the Haven supporter at Derwent Park there is still business for McAvoy, Calvert and co to finish.

They face up to York City Knights for the second time in a fortnight on Sunday.

But having only beaten York a fortnight ago, Forster is at pains to point out it doesn’t mean a thing.

“They have lost their last two games, including one against us, but I don’t read anything into that. They rested players and in any case this is knock-out rugby when form goes out of the window.

“They came back well to lead at the Recreation Ground and we had to dig really deep to beat them 26-16.

“Their attack is very much their strength but I have been happy with the way our defence has been performing.

“We want to get to the final, but of course so do they,” said the Haven coach.

Dion Aiye remains the biggest concern for Forster as he finished the derby game with a tight groin.

Elliott Miller and Steve Roper, who were rested for the game at Derwent Park will be back in the team.

Final squad from: Miller, Burns, Taylor, Parker, Calvert, Crook, Roper, Shackley, Tilley, Forster, McAvoy, Holliday, Aiye, Riley, Newton, Holland, Brown, Thompson, Green, Olstrom.