WIDNES Vikings have moved to strengthen their back line by signing Leeds outside back Jimmy Keinhorst on loan.

The 27-year-old joins the Vikings on a four-week loan, but will not be eligible to make his debut until the clash with Wigan on April 27.

Keinhorst will link up with his new teammates on Monday but Leeds have requested that he does not feature in the Challenge Cup tie with Coventry Bears next week.

"I’m excited to be linking up with Widnes Vikings on this loan spell," Keinhorst said.

"I have found my opportunities limited at Leeds Rhinos recently since my knee injury, and I’m eager to play regularly and show what I can do.

"I’ll be joining Widnes Vikings at a time when they are a little short with injuries, so this is a really positive opportunity for all parties."

Vikings head coach Denis Betts added: "We are grateful to Leeds for allowing us to take Jimmy on loan.

"Jimmy is an outside back and utility player, who offers solid experience and proven quality.

"Having lost a number of our outside backs to injury recently, his addition to the squad will give us a real boost."