Talented Wigan Warriors youngster Jack Higginson has linked up with Workington Town ahead of the start of the new League One season.

Higginson, 19, has initially joined on a one-month loan and will replace Kyle Shelford, who has gone back to the World Club champions.

Town coach Dave Clark said the move was purely to give them more cover in certain areas with Higginson plying his trade at centre.

Clark said: “Kyle has done an excellent job for us over the last month and has made a real impact.

“This change is a purely positional one which allows us some flexibility in some key areas.

“We have a great relationship with the World Club Champions and we aim to build on that during the 2017 season.”

Higginson will join Wigan club-mate Macauley Davies who remains at Derwent Park.

And he is set to be given a baptism of fire as he is named in Clark’s squad to face Newcastle Thunder today, kick-off 3pm.

Higginson has plenty of pedigree behind him, making three appearances for the Warriors’ first team in 2016.

Wigan’s head of youth, Matty Peet, added: “Jack is one of a number of good young players at the club who needs to be playing regularly at a good level to help aid his development.

“He will continue to train with the Wigan first team as well as with the Workington squad.”