Bedford joined Leeds from Rotherham in 2007

Leeds Carnegie hope scrum-half Joe Bedford will return from injury earlier than first thought.

He was originally ruled out for three months after undergoing an ankle operation last week, but is making a quick recovery.

"The surgery went very well and because of that he should not be more than two months away from being back," director of rugby Andy Key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We really feel for Joe because he has worked very hard this season so far."

Bedford has been third in Leeds' scrum-half pecking order behind Andy Gomarsall and South African Scott Mathie this season.

He was given a run-out in the first team away at Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup in October, where he picked up the injury.

"He knew at the beginning of the season because of the way selection was going he would have to wait for his chance," explained Key.

"He did just that, got himself back into the squad and then goes and picks up this injury."

Bedford's absence means England under-20 international Dan White will move up to Leeds' third choice scrum-half and will sit on the bench against Sale in the LV= Cup on Friday.

"This is a good chance for Dan to show what he can do," said Key.

"He's been on loan at Nottingham and been performing off the bench for them and has done well.

"We have a lot of time for Whitey as we think he is the future of the club.

"It's unfortunate for Joe but it gives Whitey an opportunity to step up and have a game.

"And although we didn't find him any game time against Leicester we hope to against Sale."

Meanwhile Leeds have confirmed that hooker Phil Nielsen has recovered from the shoulder injury sustained against Leicester but he has not been included in the squad to face Sale.

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