Whitehaven's return game with Workington Town on Sunday remains top of the agenda for coach Carl Forster.

Much of the attention switched during the week to the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, being staged next weekend when the League One clubs come in at the third round stage.

Haven are still waiting to find out their opponents as West Hull and Thatto Heath, from St. Helens, are scheduled to meet on Saturday after the original tie was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Forster will be represented at the game to check-out the quality and make-up of the two sides ahead of Whitehaven’s trip the following week.

But Sunday’s pending League One Cup tie with Workington Town remains Forster’s immediate target as he plots his side’s first win after four defeats in pre-season friendlies.

He said: “It’s not ideal that we have a number of players still unavailable for the game at the Recreation Ground, especially as it will obviously be a tough derby encounter.

“But we need to improve on what we’ve seen so far, whatever the make-up of the side who start against Town.

“If we were four games into the League One season, I would be worried but that’s what friendlies are for and I feel that we will be strong and competitive as the season develops.”

Meanwhile Ryan Ince, who spent time with Whitehaven last season on dual registration from Widnes, has linked-up again with former coach James Coyle.

Ince, who is a member of the Vikings full-time squad, has gone to Coyle’s new club Hunslet on an initial month’s loan.

Coyle said: “I’m delighted to secure Ryan on loan.

"I think we have a really well balanced squad and bringing in a winger with Super League experience puts pressure on our guys to increase their performance.”

Whitehaven, of course, will be lining-up against one of their former players on Sunday as another Widnes dual registration player from last season, Ed Chamberlain, has now joined Town on loan.