LEEDS KNIGHTS’ head coach Ryan Aldridge hailed the impact of Innes Gallacher - just two games into his comeback from a nightmare injury lay-off.

The 22-year-old Scot made his return after almost nine months out in Thursday night’s 4-1 home win over derby rivals Sheffield Steeldogs.

But his impact was felt even more 24 hours later when he scored two goals in the 5-2 road win at Solway.

Following a difficult start to the season, the win in Dumfries extended Leeds’ winning streak to five games ahead of Sunday night’s visit from a Swindon Wildcats team who hammered early-season pace-setters Hull Seahawks 7-0 at home on Saturday.

Aldridge admitted it was great to have winger Gallacher back in his line-up.

“I love him to bits, from the minute he came to us, he's been great,” said Aldridge.

“Obviously we’ve been waiting for him to get back in the line-up. It has been really tough, but it's been worth the wait. He's been unbelievable already this weekend.

“Two games back, two goals – it looks like he hasn't missed a beat. He's a massive part of our locker room, a massive part of our group and he's a guy you just love to have on your hockey team.”

BACK IN THE GAME: Leeds Knights' Innes Gallacher has returned from injury. Picture: Charlotte Clarke/Knights Media.

placeholder image — BACK IN THE GAME: Leeds Knights' Innes Gallacher has returned from injury. Picture: Charlotte Clarke/Knights Media.

Gallacher made his mark in Solway when scoring on the power play in the 15th minute, with Edgars Vengis having given the Knights a 12th-minute lead.

Solway levelled with a 19th-minute power play strike from Jonathan Yantsis but the two-goal lead was restored through Owen Sobchak’s short-handed strike at 36.19.

Matt Bissonnette made it 4-1 at 44.01 and although Scott Henderson poked home from close range to make it 4-2 four minutes later, Gallacher was on hand with a last-minute empty-net strike to ensure a deserved win on the road.