DEVLIN SET TO BE OUT FOR SIX MONTHS : Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:16 am
Widnes winger Paul Devlin will be out of action for much of the new Super League season after being told he requires surgery to reconstruct his injured knee.
Devlin suffered ligament damage during the friendly against Wests Tigers at the end of January and will be out for between four and six months.
"It is a big blow," coach Neil Kelly told superleague.co.uk.
"We were expecting big things this season, and I am sure the targets he had set for himself for this year weren't the ones he is now having to adopt.
"He is a good lad, a strong character and I know that he is looking at it in a positive way - hopefully it will make him a better person when he does get fully fit."
Devlin, who scored 10 tries in his 20 appearances for the Vikings last season, added: "I just want to get the operation over and done with and crack on with my rehab. The better that goes then the sooner I will be back."
Meanwhile, Kelly has chosen Andy Hay to take over as club captain following the departure of Ryan Sheridan to Castleford at the end of last season.