Watson hoping to make comeback

Ian Watson is hoping to make his comeback from injury against Doncaster.

Swinton’s assistant player coach is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee operation.

And he reckons he has a good chance of making it for Thursday’s  Northern Rail Cup quarter final at Leigh Sports Village (7.30pm).

“I’ve got to have a few more tests but I’m way ahead of where I should have been in my rehab and I’m hoping I can make it for Thursday.

“I’ve been having intensive treatment from the Warrington first team physios and it’s been great working with them.”

Watson’s experience in the middle of the field has been missed by Swinton who have struggled for leadership in heavy defeats to Halifax and Batley.

And the 36-year-old former Wales international admits it has been frustrating standing on the sidelines.

He said: “In some ways it has been good because I’ve been even more involved in the coaching side of things.

“But once the players are out on the pitch it’s down to them to carry things out whereas if you are on the pitch you can influence things.”

Darren Hawkyard, James Laithwaite, Liam Hulme and Ritchie Hawkyard are also close to a return after injury.