Whitehaven have landed Leigh Centurions winger Dave Thompson on loan, ahead of their opening League One game at South Wales Ironmen.

Coach Carl Forster announced earlier in the week he was trying to bring in a couple of players to boost a depleted squad.

Injuries and suspensions have made inroads on a squad which had looked particularly strong when Forster was putting it together at the end of last year.

Thompson, 21, will join the squad for training tomorrow night and be available for Sunday’s trip to Merthyr Tydfil.

Thompson only joined Leigh from Warrington Wolves last November on a two-year contract.

The former England Academy three-quarter had spent time on loan at Hull Kingston Rovers in 2016, making three senior Super League appearances.

After graduating through the Wigan academy structure and representing Wigan Warriors Under-19s in 2015, Thompson had featured in Warrington Wolves’ reserve side until the move to Humberside allowed him the opportunity to make his senior debut.

Thompson, a strong-running, aggressive winger is a product of community club Wigan St Patrick’s.

When he signed for Leigh Centurions, head coach Neil Jukes said: “Dave has been on our radar for a while and we have had to be patient before securing his services.

“He has come through some good systems, played at a high level and those opportunities don’t get given out by accident.

“Having met with him, I know he is a 100 per cent genuine guy with a willingness and ambition to improve himself and stake a claim for a regular place in our starting line-up.

“We have many talented senior players in our squad and it is important that we start to blood good, young talent with one eye on the future.

“Dave adds genuine ability and strength in the wing spot for our 2017 squad and all the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him.”

Forster said: “I haven’t actually seen Dave play but he has been well recommended to me and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the squad.”

Elliott Miller will also be in the squad to take on the Ironmen having completed his three-match ban, while half-back Steve Roper will be able to resume after being stood down last week after taking knocks to his head against Workington Town.