Widnes have named new signing Ryan Sheridan as their new team captain.

The 27-year-old Great Britain international picks up the captain's armband from veteran full-back Stuart Spruce.

Sheridan will lead Widnes out for the first time in Sunday's Powergen Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Dewsbury.

Vikings coach Neil Kelly says Sheridan's experience on the field makes him the right man for the job.

"I'm a big believer that your scrum-half is the general on the field," he said.

"But I'm lucky that I've got people who have influence and give us a lot of direction."

Sheridan, who made the switch from Leeds in the close season, is one of five new signings who are aiming to make their competitive debuts.