Widnes winger Paul Devlin will be out of action for much of the new Super League season after being told he requires surgery to reconstruct his injured knee.

Devlin suffered ligament damage during the friendly against Wests Tigers at the end of January and will be out for between four and six months.

"It is a big blow," coach Neil Kelly told superleague.co.uk.

"We were expecting big things this season, and I am sure the targets he had set for himself for this year weren't the ones he is now having to adopt.

"He is a good lad, a strong character and I know that he is looking at it in a positive way - hopefully it will make him a better person when he does get fully fit."

Devlin, who scored 10 tries in his 20 appearances for the Vikings last season, added: "I just want to get the operation over and done with and crack on with my rehab. The better that goes then the sooner I will be back."

Meanwhile, Kelly has chosen Andy Hay to take over as club captain following the departure of Ryan Sheridan to Castleford at the end of last season.

I'm gutted for the lad!! Devs had a great season last year and that try against Leeds was one of my fav moments, and a credible contender for try of the season.

In terms of Andy Hay, well done and good luck. I wasn't one of his biggest fans last year, but a new season, a new start and all that!!

Who is your source Jayne......YOU MUST PUT IT

Oooohhhh Peter !!! lol, Which is your favorite source ????

Have you ventured in your loft yet mate? !! lol

Not long to go now pete, Salford here we come.....

The Devlin story has been on the offical website and mentioned on pretty much every website involved with Rugby League..

The Andy Hay captaincy was announced at the squad night on Monday..

The Devlin story has been on the offical website and mentioned on pretty much every website involved with Rugby League..

The Andy Hay captaincy was announced at the squad night on Monday..

Apologies for the double post. I got an error message on the first go and didn't realise it had been posted

Thats it,he was one of your last good players.

Is he fit yet?

Not quite.. but more pleasing news is that Moule should be back fit in two weeks to boost the options in the Centres..