YORK Wasps forward Mick Ramsden's year-long injury nightmare could finally come to an end this weekend.

Ramsden has been pencilled in to make his long-awaited return at Whitehaven Warriors on Sunday.

And his comeback could not have come at a better time as fellow pack star Lea Tichener has been ruled out for the next month.

Tichener broke a bone in his shoulder at Oldham on Monday. The Rugby League discplinary committee hearing for his sending off against Keighley has been deferred until next week.

Coach Garry Atkins said: "He will be out for at least four weeks. We didn't even realise he had done anything until he rolled up for training on Tuesday with his arm in a sling."

The blow will be softened by the return of second rower Ramsden who has not played since damaging knee ligaments in June last year.

Atkins said Ramsden had been going well in training and was in line to play some part at Whitehaven.

"He could have done with a couple of 'A' team games to get back to match fitness but we haven't got that luxury so we will have to sacrifice a subs spot to give him a run-out.

"If he's fit and raring to go then he will definitely figure this week. He's a fit guy anyway so it's just a case of getting some match fitness which is a very different thing," said Atkins, who believes Ramsden's return will have a positive affect on his team-mates.

"I'm pleased because Mick is a true dedicated professional and at times that's where we've been lacking. Mick is 100 per cent professional. He gets down to it and does the job so I think it will benefit the club as a whole."

Utility back Darren Callaghan and centre Andrew Lambert could also return against Whitehaven having missed the last three