Gallagher KO is major blow for Vikings

May 8 2008 By Ian Cheveau

IN-FORM Widnes Vikings back-rower Tommy Gallagher will be out for up to six weeks after fracturing a thumb in the midweek win over Dewsbury.

He is one of five players, who will miss the fifth-round Carnegie Challenge Cup home clash with Super Leaguers Hull FC on Sunday.

Gallagher has been in sensational form of late and Widnes boss Steve McCormack says his troops are really up against it now because of their selection problems.

Dean Gaskell and new winger from Wigan Sam Barlow suffered bad knocks.

Barlow is cup-tied anyway – along with Richard Fletcher and Jason Crookes, who have already played for Whitehaven and Bradford in this season’s competition.

Paul Noone is still a few games away from recovery.

"Sunday’s task is now a lot harder," conceded head coach McCormack.

"We have a few injuries as a result of the midweek game but we will try to patch ourselves up.

"There is a real opportunity for some of the younger players to step up and come back in.

"Tommy has been playing really well for us lately and is in good form. So to lose him for a few weeks will be tough."

The Vikings face a similar scenario to three years ago when McCormack’s young Vikings had to face Mick Potter’s Catalans with a weakened side.

McCormack added: ‘The game situation is similar to what we experienced in the Challenge Cup against the French.

"I was forced to pick my youngest ever team. They stepped up and did a really good job to contain a talented Catalans side then.

"It looks as though we are in the same boat again – this time it’s against Hull, who are still one of the best teams in Super League."

Almost four years ago, the Vikings were hit by their worst ever defeat as Hull FC plundered 70 points against them in Super League.

McCormack dismissed any suggestion a repeat scoreline might be on the cards but stressed his players face a "huge test."

He added: ‘Hull are an excellent Super League side and they are coming into a bit of form so it’s going to be tough for us.

"But we will give it our best shot – we always do.

"We are a very capable side ourselves and we will give it 100%.

"Hull have some really talented players in Shaun Berrigan, Danny Tickle, John Cusack, Gareth Raynor, Adam Dykes – the list goes on.

"But I’m sure our players won’t be overawed by them or the occasion."

Former Vikings boss Neil Kelly has been appointed head coach of National League One rivals Leigh Centurions.