WIDNES Vikings have made another important extension to its Sports Medicine Department as Alastair McFarland put pen to paper on a new deal.

McFarland, 24, has been working alongside Widnes Head of Sports Medicine Andrew McDonough since October 2013 and after this successful period looking after the Academy players, the former Glasgow Caledonian student has been rewarded with a new contract which means he’ll be with the Vikings for a further 12-months.

“I have been delighted with the way Alastair has fitted in to our medical team in his five months with us so far,” McDonough said.

“He has picked things up extremely well and is doing a great job of overseeing our Academy setup. He has also stepped up with the first team and is taking on greater responsibilities week by week. “He has impressed not only myself but the rest of the staff and the players. I’m sure he will go on to prove himself as an excellent physio here at Widnes Vikings.”

McFarland, who graduated with top honours in 2013, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club so far, it’s been really easy to fit in as we have a great bunch of people here. I’m looking forward to the next twelve months and the season ahead.”

Last month the Vikings brought in Joe Booth as McDonough’s Assistant Physiotherapist.