GREGG McNally faces another lengthy spell on the side lines after suffering an ankle ligament injury in Sunday’s impressive 50-10 victory over Wigan.

The Irish international full-back was due to see a specialist to determine the full extent of the problem as the Journal went to press.

But assistant coach Paul Cooke fears McNally’s absence is unlikely to be short term.

Winger Adam Higson damaged a rib cartilage against the Super League champions and won’t feature in Sunday’s final warm-up game against Dewsbury at Leigh Sports Village. (3pm).

However, he hopes to be available for Leigh’s return to the top flight at Castleford on February 10.

“I am devastated for Gregg,” Cooke told Journal Sport. “I texted him on Sunday night and he was a bit down in the dumps.

“He has had a couple of poor injuries in the last year and this looks like a serious one.

“It’s not good for the kid mentally. But we will keep an eye on him, keep him upbeat and he will certainly have a role to play, regardless of how long he is out, throughout the season.”

McNally’s latest woe comes 12 months after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in Leigh’s pre season game against Warrington. He didn’t return until July and then played seven times, including five appearances in the Middle 8’s.

Despite the double injury set-back, Leigh took many positives from the nine-try victory over Wigan including an impressive performance from injured Martyn Ridyard’s deputy, Ben Reynolds.

Reynolds,23, contributed a try and seven goals to earn Cooke’s praise. “I had a chat with Ben at the end of last year and told him this is a massive season for him,” he explained.

“It could go one of two ways: either he’d be out on loan getting game time or he could push Josh Drinkwater and ‘Riddy,’ who were our first choice half backs starting in the Middle 8’s, to a starting spot.

“He has responded to that challenge and applied himself really well in the off-season. He is getting his rewards from that now.

“Ben was good at the weekend and his kicking game got better. Personally, I wanted to see him grab the game by the scruff of the neck in the first half.

“But I am pleased how he went and really encouraged by how he has responded to the chat we had after the Leeds game last season.”

Reynolds, who made a Super League debut for Castleford against Salford in 2013, could get more game time against Dewsbury this weekend.

Skipper Micky Higham will definitely feature after being left out of the Wigan friendly as a precaution.

“The players that feature will need minutes, quality minutes, and give them a chance to play against Castleford,” added Cooke.

“Ultimately, they are putting themselves in the frame for that first game. While we have on paper what we think will be the team against Castleford, it rarely happens like that.

“There is no such thing for us as an easy run out and the players have got to buy into what we are asking them to do.”

Ridyard continues to receive treatment for the hamstring injury picked up during the training camp in Lanzarote.

“He is desperate to get back on the field but he won’t be risked if he is not right.”

“He should be right for Castleford. But will he be picked or should he be picked, that’s a decision we will make leading upto that first game.”