Matty Smith is on a season-long loan at Celtic Crusaders

Scrum-half Matty Smith has given Super League bottom club Celtic Crusaders a boost as his ankle is not broken.

The 21-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from St Helens, feared a lengthy lay-off after hurting the ankle in Sunday's 27-22 defeat at Warrington.

Smith will miss Friday's Challenge Cup fourth-round tie at Hull KR and faces a race against time to be fit for the Crusaders' Easter fixtures.

Second row Chris Beasley is set to come back from a thigh strain against Hull.

Crusaders are also without captain Jace Van Dijk (ankle) and broken hand victims Mark Lennon and Geraint Davies.

606: DEBATE I'm sure the Crusaders will come good and pick up a few shock wins as they're not going too bad for their first crack at the big time Loinerhino

Stand-off Lennon and prop Davies are expected to be out for another month while van Dijk could return for their Easter matches against Huddersfield and Harlequins.

"It would be great to be back for the Harlequins game on Easter Monday as I know that's going to be a big game at the Brewery Field," said Smith.

"I'm really pleased that the X-ray has come back all clear. I've been told to rest it for four days but I'm going to have an MRI scan this week and see whether I've damaged the ligaments.

"When that's done we'll have a better idea for when I'll be back."

With Van Dijk also sidelined, Crusaders coach John Dixon faces a problem over who to play at scrum-half at Craven Park on Friday night. The team will be announced on Wednesday afternoon.

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