Leeds Knights set for timely boost with return of Kieran Brown

The 24-year-old forward has missed the last three games for the Knights having picked up an upper-body injury in the 5-1 home win against Hull Seahawks on October 30.

He has been in typically free-scoring form since the start of the season, posting 15 goals and 13 assists in just 13 games, enough to put him fourth overall in the league.

In his absence, the Knights have picked up three points from a possible six, leaving them third overall, three points off current leaders.

Following last week’s 3-2 defeat in overtime to bottom club Basingstoke Bison, head coach Ryan Aldridge made reference to his team winning the game had his captain been available.

In the days since, Aldridge has toned down the frustration which was evident in his post-match interview, acknowledging just how badly struck his team have been by the injury bug so far this season.

While Brown is set to return, Aldridge will still be without defenceman Jordan Griffin and Lewis Baldwin indefinitely, although fellow blue liner Liam Hine could be back in contention next weekend.

Winger Mac Howlett, meanwhile, continues to be laid low by an illness, while up-and-coming forward Edgars Vengis is also absent as he serves the remaining two games of his ban.

“With Kieran, you know you’re getting points, your power plays are built around him, he’s a big part of our offensive systems,” said Aldridge on Friday. “So having him out of the line-up is tough, especially when he has been playing the way he has been this season.

“With his mindset and where his head is, he’s been in a good place and a threat every time he steps on the ice.

“He skated on Thursday and will again on Friday and so the plan is for Kieran to be in the line-up - it will be great to have him back.”