Team news: Hull FC v St Helens (Fri)

James Gordon

Gareth Ellis is set to make a return to the Hull FC line-up when they welcome league leaders St Helens on Friday.

Ellis, 38, has missed almost two months of action with an achilles issue having come out of retirement earlier in the year to help the Airlie Birds.

He replaces Dean Hadley in the squad, while Albert Kelly will be hoping to make an appearance having sat out the derby defeat to former club Hull KR with a hamstring problem.

Man of the moment and viral sensation Joe Westerman is available despite dislocating his knee and popping it back in place live on Sky Sports last week.

For St Helens, hooker Aaron Smith has not recovered from the challenge that saw him stretchered off in the early stages of the win at Warrington.

He was discharged from hospital over the weekend but has experienced headaches and pain in his neck this week.

Hull-bound winger Adam Swift takes his place in the 19-man squad and could come up against his future employers.

Gordon’s gamble: Jake Connor, who is expected to slot back in the centres with the return of Kelly, is 6/1 to score two or more tries.

Hull FC 19-man squad: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Bowden, Minichiello, Westerman, Connor, Green, Fash, Manu, Paea, Naulago, Ellis, Savelio.

St Helens 19-man squad: Lomax, Makinson, Naiqama, Percival, Grace, Fages, Walmsley, Thompson, Paulo, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Knowles, Amor, Peyroux, Swift, Lees, Ashworth, Bentley, Coote, Costello.

St Helens have won the last five meetings between the two and are 1/2 favourites to continue that run