Smith escapes serious injury

Jun 12 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES boss Steve McCormack has dismissed talk of inspirational skipper Mark Smith being ruled out for the rest of the season after he left the field in agony during the Vikings’ latest defeat on Sunday.

Smith was involved in a sickening clash with Halifax prop forward Dana Wilson and his own front row partner Iain Morrison which left him clutching his left arm and medics fearing the worst.

McCormack told members of the Press on Sunday that Smith had a suspected fracture and dislocation to his elbow, but such fears have since been allayed and the coach now claims that his captain will be out for only a matter of weeks.

McCormack said: “Smithy has dislocated his elbow and he will probably be out for about six weeks.

“When a player as tough as Mark leaves the field, you expect it to be a bad one and it was.

“We thought he had fractured the elbow as well as dislocated it but it’s only dislocated, which now means he will be back sooner rather than later.”

He added: “‘I went straight to the hospital after the game to see him and he was disappointed that he will now be out, but at least it’s not for the season.

“It will be a massive blow to lose a player of his quality for any length of time and he is another key player out on the sidelines but we will have to get through it.”

Bob Beswick, who openly harbours desires to wear the number nine shirt for the Vikings, will now deputise for Smith at hooker and as captain, which McCormack sees as a big opportunity.

He said: “Bob is an option for us at nine and if he does get the shirt then it gives him a few weeks to show us what he can do.

“He is a quality player for us and he has never let me down whether he has played at stand-off, loose forward or hooker.

“We have some big games coming up and Bob will get his chance in his favoured position.”

Meanwhile, McCormack has insisted his Vikings will tighten their defence up in time for the biggest game of the season against Salford City Reds next Thursday.

With thousands of tickets already sold, McCormack says his team are keen to impress.

He added: “To lose three games is very disappointing but that is the nature of the sport and the game we are in.

“The players and coaching staff need to show why we earn our money.

“We know that strong defences win games and that is what we intend to do next week.”

The Vikings are starting to get their injured troops back to full fitness and although Tommy Gallagher (thumb) and Sam Barlow (hand) are still in plaster, Tim Hartley has started running after his ankle operation and will be back within three weeks.