Workington Town have been handed a huge blow with in-form centre Elliott Miller being ruled out for several months.

The talented star went under the knife on Friday for a full shoulder reconstruction, as his team-mates prepared to face Leeds Rhinos in the Coral Challenge Cup.

Miller had suffered the injury to his right shoulder during the clash with Newcastle Thunder at Derwent Park and faces three to four months on the sidelines.

Town chairman Les Smallwood said: “It’s unfortunate that Elliott’s suffered his injury when he was going so well.

“He has been awesome since the beginning of the season and must be considered one of the best centres not only in this division but also the one above. So he will be a big miss of course.

“Luckily our insurance is the best there is and we managed to get him in for an operation quickly. We will work with Elliott on his rehab along with our fantastic physio Nigel.

“We look forward to seeing him back as soon as possible but it will only be at the right time as the player’s health and welfare is of the utmost priority to us.”

Smallwood admitted that the injury itself had looked innocuous at first but once the problem was diagnosed, it had been treated quickly.

“Somebody landed on him when he was reaching out for the ball,” he added.

“He got up and played on at the time, it seemed innocuous but was more serious than we first thought.”

In better news for the club, Ryan Fieldhouse is hoping to be back in full contact training in around four weeks after smashing his rehab, so should be returning to the squad shortly.

Town are back in league action on Good Friday when they welcome neighbours and old rivals Whitehaven to Derwent Park, ko 3pm.