Paterson will provide spark

Feb 14 2008 By Widnes Weekly News

STEVE McCormack says new signing Lee Paterson could provide the Vikings with the "cutting edge" they have lacked so far this season.

A lot of responsibility has been placed on the shoulders of rookie half-back pairing Steven Roper and Tim Hartley.

And although McCormack says the youngsters have fared well, he feels the introduction of former Batley Bulldogs star Paterson could give his team more variety in the pivots.

McCormack said: "It’s fair to say that we have lacked cutting edge and a little bit of adventure so far with the ball.

"We had plenty of opportunities to get over the Leigh Centurions’ line last weekend and we just couldn’t cross the whitewash.

"We needed to show more guile and bringing in Lee could give us an option to do that.

"Lee is a very underrated player in National League and one who I think will do a great job for us.

"He also has that bit of experience as well which is always good and he will bring a lot to the plate for us this year.

"Lee did really well for us in the trial game at Stobart Stadium Halton when we took on Wigan and he will give us more options in the halves."

Paterson, a current Scottish international, who played a crucial role in McCormack’s side making it to the Rugby League World Cup in October, has been plying his trade in the French Elite Division with Carpentras.

His registration came through in midweek and he is in contention to make his first competitive appearance for the Vikings in home Northern Rail Cup action against Barrow on Sunday (ko 3pm).

McCormack has not ruled out a return to the transfer market in the near future but he says at this moment he is "happy" with the squad he has in place.

He added: "If players do come available and we feel they will improve the squad then we will look at it but all my efforts now are concentrating on the players we have already got here and making sure they improve.

"We are looking – we are always looking – but I’m not going to bring players in just for the sake of it."

McCormack hinted that he could welcome back former Super League powerhouses Iain Morrison and Paul Noone back into the fold.

Morrison has recovered from a nerve injury in his back while Noone was given compassionate leave after the death of a family member.

McCormack added: "Iain is back in contention after responding to treatment but we will make a decision on Paul later on in the week.

"Some things are a lot more important than rugby league and it’s imperative to us that Paul is with his family at this time.

"His wife is also due to have a baby so it’s all come at once for him and we told Paul to take some time off."