HOMEBOY Mick Hagan's injury nightmare is set to continue for at least two more months.

The 23-year-old prop reaffirmed his loyalty to his home-town club in the close-season, signing on for a fifth year in the Wasps' senior ranks.

However, he has yet been able to train this term because of a knee ligament injury which now requires an operation.

This problem is just one in a long line of injuries suffered by the former Clifton Moor amateur. He missed the entire 1998 season with a shoulder injury and has had more than his fair share of niggles.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said: "I understand that once he's had his operation it will be six to eight weeks before he'll be back in training. We are currently trying to arrange a date for that operation.

"We need him back, without a shadow of a doubt, so it will be in our interest as much as his to get him back in training as soon as possible."

Hagan, whose father, also called Mick, enjoyed 14 years with the club as Colt, first-teamer and assistant coach, came through the junior ranks at Huntington Stadium and first signed pro forms in December 1997 after making his first-team bow as an Academy player in June that year.

He became one of the longest-serving players on the club's books last season as several others departed, but again suffered several knocks which restricted his appearances to 17, plus one as an unused sub.

There is better news, however, concerning fellow club stalwart Alan Pallister.

The 31-year-old hooker, who has had 13 seasons with Wasps and was rewarded with a testimonial last term, has been back training with the first team for nearly three weeks now after missing the start of the season through work commitments.

His fitness is coming back and there is a possibility he could soon be pushing for a place in the 17.

However, Pally - last year's club captain - will have the difficult task of dislodging this year's captain, Peter Edwards, from his favoured acting-half spot.

Coach Leo Epifania said: "He's been going all right and is pushing himself hard to get his fitness up.

"Everyone is in consideration for a place as long as they're training hard, although he (Pally) will find it hard to walk into the first team as I can't really drop Peter Edwards at the moment.

"Once he gets his fitness levels up, though, he will be getting close to making himself available for selection."

STAND-OFF Jonny Liddell jumped straight to the top of the player of the year rankings thanks to his man of the match display against Hull KR last week.

The youngster again showed up well despite some poor handling around him, with his half-back partnership with Mark Cain again looking promising. He also scored Wasps' only try - his first for the club - in their 22-8 defeat.

Jamie Benn, who set up the touchdown and could have had one himself but for an apparent trip, picked up two points after flourishing in his favoured full-back role in the absence of the injured Ben Sorbello, while Cain, who was also involved in the try, picked up the remaining player of the year point.

The Wasps' man of the match in each game receives three points, the second best player two points and the third best one point. Whoever tops the table at the end of the season will receive £350 courtesy of Guildford Construction, with the runner-up winning £150.

If there is a tie, the player with the most man of the match awards come out on top, which puts Liddell above prop Mick Docherty in the current table.

Player of the Year standings: Jon Liddell 6pts, Mick Docherty 6, Mark Cain 5, Carl Hall 4, Peter Edwards 3, Ben Sorbello 3, Jamie Benn 2, Andy Precious 1.

Updated: 11:05 Saturday, January 19, 2002