Cunningham fit for Saints return

Paul Wellens (left) is out but Keiron Cunningham is ready to return

St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham will be fit to return for Sunday's Challenge Cup tie against London Skolars.

But full-back Paul Wellens has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a similar quadriceps muscle injury.

Wellens will also miss the Warrington derby on Friday week, but hopes to return in time to meet Wigan at the Millennium Stadium on 4 May.

Matt Gidley, who switched from centre when Wellens was last injured eight months ago, will again deputise.

The return of Cunningham, who has missed the last six matches with a torn quad, enables coach Daniel Anderson to rest James Roby, while Sean Long will also sit out Sunday's tie.

"Keiron has been chomping at the bit for a few weeks now," said Anderson.

"It gives us a good opportunity to rest James Roby, especially with a five-day turnaround."

Anderson is likely to give a debut to 18-year-old stand-off Gary Wheeler from the bench.