Thompson’s wait over

Liam Thompson: first team pick

OLDHAM RL coach Scott Naylor has confirmed Liam Thompson’s Roughyeds’ career will start in the under-20s side against Rochdale at Whitebank tomorrow night.

The 21-year-old loose-forward, formerly with Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings, signed a one-year Oldham contract last autumn, but later had a shoulder operation.

Naylor has high hopes for Wigan-born Thompson, who won England schoolboys caps before joining the Warriors academy and ultimately moving to Widnes.

“Liam will give us back-row options once he is fully match fit,” said Naylor.

“I haven’t been able to call on him in the seven games we have already played. It will be like having a new addition to the squad.”

Thompson is unlikely to be the only new face in the squad. Danny Hurley, an 18-year-old prop from Waterhead, is expected to figure in the 17, as is former Leigh scrum-half Sam Singleton, another new recruit.

Jack Sherratt, a forward from the Warrington area, faces a late fitness check after going over on his ankle in training on Tuesday.