St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham expects Luke Walsh back soon

St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham has revealed he expects scrum-half Luke Walsh to return to action next month after suffering a slight setback in his recovery from leg and ankle surgery.

The former Penrith Panthers player has not appeared since breaking his leg last July and, while out, he also required an operation to correct a previous problem with his ankle.

Signed from the NRL in 2014, Walsh, 27, made 18 appearances for Saints, scoring five tries and 162 points, before having his season cut short.

It was hoped the goalkicking half-back would be fit for the start of the Super League season in February but a virus set him back and now he is facing another month on the sidelines.

He is in a good place now and hopefully will be back around the start to the second week of April

"He had complications with his ankle before he did his leg and we got that sorted out after his leg had healed," Cunningham said.

"There have been a few complications with the bits and bobs (screws and plates) inside his leg so they have been removed.

"It was the right thing to do for Luke. It feels like a normal leg to him now - no screws or plates in the bones. He is in a good place now and hopefully will be back around the start to the second week of April."

Skipper Jon Wilkin has filled in at scrum-half in Walsh's absence.

The unbeaten champions' next match is against Warrington at Langtree Park on Thursday.

Watch St Helens v Warrington on Sky Sports 3 from 7.30pm on Thursday