Ryan Ince, a 19-year-old winger with Widnes Vikings, is on stand-by to make his Whitehaven debut tomorrow night.

Ince has been brought into the 19-strong squad for the home game with Featherstone Rovers (6.30pm ko) because there is still a doubt over record-chasing winger Craig Calvert.

Coach James Coyle explained: “Craig missed the game last week at Swinton with a chest infection. Although he trained on Wednesday he wasn’t feeling 100 per cent and we are going to see how he is tonight before making a decision.

“Ryan is coming up tonight to train with us and if Craig isn’t able to return on Saturday then the youngster will play.”

Ince’s Widnes team-mates Ted and Jay Chapelhow are also included in the squad but Ed Chamberlain is not available while another Viking, forward Sam Brooks is ruled-out with a second case of concussion.

Brooks, who was originally stood down after Widnes’ Challenge Cup game with Rochdale, had to retire with another head injury while playing for Whitehaven last week at Swinton.

Ince has been with the Vikings for four years and stepped-up to the first team squad this season.

The former St Peter and Paul Catholic College student joined the Vikings Scholarship scheme at 15 years of age, undertaking a B Tech Diploma in Sport Performance, having played his junior rugby for the Moorfield club.

Recognised for being very athletic and a powerful ball carrier Ince has paid tribute to his coaches, as well as help from senior players, as he progressed through the ranks to gain selection for England Under 16's against France in 2013.

He was subsequently selected as a member of the England Under 18 squad.

There’s a big boost for coach Coyle with the fact that he can include two players who have been side-lined recently.

Ben Davies has recovered from an ankle injury while Stephen Fox has been given the all-clear by a neuro-surgeon after taking a couple of knocks to the head recently.

The main absentees, along with Chamberlain and Brooks, are Richie Beaumont and Scott McAvoy.

“It’s an important game for both clubs and we are particularly pleased to have Ben and Stephen back in to strengthen our squad and widen our options,” said Coyle.

Whitehaven will choose from: Jouffret, Fox, Calvert, Parker, Allen, Aiye, Gore, Duffy, Newton, Taylor, Ince, Davies, Riley, Carberry, Brocklebank, Burns, T Chapelhow, Holliday, J Chapelhow.