Saints have been handed mixed news on the injury front with back-rower Jon Wilkin possibly sidelined for six weeks but hooker Mick Higham set to make a return to action.

Coach Ian Millward revealed Wilkin suffered knee damage as he fell after being hit late and high by Wigan hooker Terry Newton in last Friday's defeat at the JJB stadium.

The verdict on Higham, though, is more positive. Reports last week suggested the hooker would be sidelined for the season because of reoccurrence of the ankle injury that ruled him out for several months, but he is in contention to play at home against Huddersfield Giants tomorrow (Friday, August 27, kick-off 8pm).

Millward said: "Jon can't remember the game and the problem was when he got knocked he fell and did his knee. He's got to have a scan but the physio is very hopeful he won't be out for any more than six to eight weeks.

"I'd like Micky to play this week, but if he doesn't make it he could play against Warrington. He did his ankle at training but x-rays showed it wasn't re-broken".

Darren Albert, who limped off at Wigan, has also been cleared of serious knee damage, but he is a doubt for Friday.

Sixteen-year-old scrum-half Scott Moore, however, is set to retain his place. Moore, a Leigh schoolboy expected to collect his GCSE results today (Thursday), became Super League's youngest player when he made his debut against Wigan.

Livewire

He gave an assured display in Saints' problem scrum-half position and combined well with fellow teenager James Roby, who grabbed a brace after a livewire spell from off the bench.

Millward said: "Scott did a good job I was happy with him. We had a call from the League saying don't overuse those sort of kids but I wouldn't have used him if I didn't think he was right.

"I think it will be a little bit easier playing at home. We showed some form in the second half and if we can continue that will make his job a little easier. I appreciate he is only 16 and the youngest player to have played in Super League, but I don't think he was out of his depth".

Meanwhile, doubts have also raised about Sean Long's scheduled return to action on Sunday, September 19.

The scrum-half's three-month ban runs until Friday, September 17 meaning he could be unavailable if Sky choose to switch the match to the Friday night.

Saints say they had received no information to suggest the match would be switched, but Millward did admit the half-back is being missed enormously.

He said: "The indiscretion cost us dearly. Some people are probably laughing and have joy in their eyes about what has happened to us. For me to say we haven't missed him would be a lie and smooth over the issue. He is a huge loss".