Noone injury blow for Oldham

Paul Noone, already ruled out of Oldham’s Challenge Cup tie at St Helens on Friday night, might be sidelined for several weeks.

Hospital x-rays have confirmed that he suffered serious ankle ligament damage in the 20-20 draw at London Skolars.

A clearer picture will emerge when he is assessed tonight by club physiotherapist Rachael Johnson, but coach Tony Benson and club officials are bracing themselves for the worst.

Apart from knocks, it was the former Warrington and Barrow forward’s first injury in three seasons.

“His luck ran out on his 31st birthday,” said club chairman Chris Hamilton.

“There was nothing in the tackle at all. It looked to be totally innocuous, but he went down and stayed down and had to be carried off.

“It looks as though he could be out for a few weeks, but we’ll know more tonight.”

If fears are confirmed, he will join a long-term injury list which has claimed winger John Gillam, prop Luke Stenchion, stand-off Neil Roden and young utility back Chris Murphy.