Oldham suffer Wildie blow

Oldham RLFC have confirmed that vice-captain Matty Wildie has undergone elbow surgery and is facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

The experienced hooker picked up the problem against Barrow in last weekend's 1895 Cup quarter-final win and has already had an operation after consultation with a specialist.

He missed the thrilling Betfred Championship win over Featherstone, a fourth victory in a row for Sean Long's side to move second in the table.

The news is a blow to the in-form Roughyeds, with Wildie now set to miss a significant period including an 1895 Cup-semi final and potentially final should Oldham reach Wembley for the first time.

"I will do everything I can to be back as soon as possible and have already set targets for games I want to be back for and aim to be back as quickly as I can," Wildie told Roughyeds TV.

"I feel like I have been in good form so this happening is a kick in the teeth and potentially missing Wembley is another blow.

"That is something I need to get my head around. 

"The good thing is that this should give Bailey (Aldridge) an opportunity to get more minutes and there is enough quality in that team to do well.

"We are in good form so long may that continue."

Wildie has revealed he picked up the injury during the win over Barrow but played on.

He added: "I felt a bit of burn in the side of my arm but carried on.

"At the end of the game I said it was a bit sore so got checked on Monday and sent for a scan on Thursday, saw the surgeon Friday and have been put straight in for surgery.

"The lateral ligament on my elbow has come off the bone and needs to be reattached . 

"I wanted to keep playing, but with the ligament you have to get it sorted quickly otherwise I would have had to have a full elbow reconstruction which is a six-month recovery.

"It was best to get it done now but the most frustrating thing is that it is not even painful and I trained with it on Wednesday!"

In Wildie's absence, Adam Milner started at hooker in the thrilling win over Featherstone, with Aldridge enjoying extended minutes off the bench.

Head coach Sean Long added: "I'm obviously gutted to lose Wildie as he is one of this team's leaders and has been brilliant for us this season as he was all of last year.

"He is Mr Reliable and has managed us in games when we needed it most.

"But knowing Matty he will nail his rehab and be back before you know it, and this does give a chance for others in the squad to step up for us with some really big games coming up."

In a further blow for Long, forward Brad Gallagher is also facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury on dual-registration with Rochdale last weekend.

Gallagher suffered a grade 3 MCL tear in his first game of the season, having only just returned to fitness following surgery over the winter.

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