Stanton Albert set to make Widnes debut

Papua New Guinea star Stanton Albert is set to make his Widnes debut against Coventry on Saturday.

The 22-year-old joined the Vikings in the off-season from PNG Hunters alongside his brother Wellington Albert.

But Stanton Albert has yet to make a competitive appearance for Denis Betts’ side, while Wellington has played seven games.

Betts has confirmed he will give Stanton Albert, who has played three games for North Wales Crusaders on dual-registration this season, his debut in Saturday’s fifth round Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against League 1 outfit Coventry.

He said: “Stanton Albert is in our plans for this game.

“It’s taken him some time to settle into the UK, get used to our plays and reach full fitness after missing most of the pre-season, so he’s had to be patient.

“His experience of going on game-by-game loans to North Wales Crusaders has been useful, and this is the right time for him to make his debut.

“With Wellington having gone some way to establishing himself in the first team, I’d expect to see a bit of competition from the younger brother, who has been kicking his heels on the sidelines.”

Betts revealed Patrick Ah Van, Danny Craven and Lloyd White could return from injuries on this weekend.