Injury news can't prick Vikings bubble (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Injury news can't prick Vikings bubble

5:13pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Sport

THERE was mixed injury news coming out of the Vikings camp this week after scans revealed that star signing Kevin Brown will only be missing for four-to-six weeks with a sprained ankle.

However, on-song centre Stefan Marsh will be missing for 12 weeks after requiring a shoulder reconstruction after injuring himself making a desperate tackle on the touchline.

The double injury blow has failed to prick the bubble building over Stobart Stadium after Saturday night’s emphatic win over Hull FC- and Vikings will bounce into Friday night’s game with the Bradford Bulls with some confidence.

Nevertheless losing two key players is a big blow.

Vikings coach Denis Betts said: “It’s pretty devastating really because Stef’s form at the beginning of the season and the way he was playing, I think he could have been looking at a place in the England Knights squad.

“From what I can see, I don’t believe there are many centres out there with the ability or class that Stef has got, so it was a bit harsh on him really and also tough on us because he’s been playing so well.”

That news was tempered by Brown’s prognosis, who turned his ankle an hour into the game after taking a stray Paul Johnson boot, not being as bad as first feared.

Betts added: “It was a freakish accident, he got kicked and it clipped him right on the spot which just made him flip over because he was relaxed.

“He went to see a specialist last night and it was the same person who operated on him initially, and it’s a badly sprained ankle.

“We’re hopeful that it could be 4-6 weeks which is good news.”

Friday’s clash with Bradford promises to be a cracker after the way both teams performed at the weekend.

Bulls trounced the previously unbeaten leaders Huddersfield 43-18 and come into the game with confidence sky-high.

Betts anticipates a great game played on a fast track.

He said: “Bradford are a confident side at the moment and when things go their way they look well structured and have some cagey, exciting players in there.

“It is a game between the two form teams of last weekend.”