McPherson out for Salford

Salford City Reds have been dealt a huge injury blow with the news forward Shannan McPherson will miss the rest of the season.

The tough-tackling Australian has made a big impact since arriving in Super League but was carried off in the Reds 32-10 defeat to St Helens last Friday and scans have revealed he tore his medial knee ligament. The loss of McPherson is a blow for coach Phil Vievers, who is also going to be without Lee Jewitt for Friday's Super League game with Warrington Wolves as he is struggling with a niggling shoulder injury. Vievers admits it is "frustrating" to lose two key players at a crucial part of the season but vowed just to "soldier on". "We are resigned to taking on Warrington without two very important forwards," he told MEN. "I really feel for Shannan because he's been desperately unlucky with injury. "He's a very good forward but we've not seen the best of him. He had a very hot spell recently but will now be out until next season. "He won't be playing again this season and has been told to concentrate on getting himself right for next term."