BARROW’S Ryan Shaw is counting the days to when he can get back into action in the colours of Hull Kingston Rovers.

The Barrow Island product – who had spells with Warrington Wolves, Barrow Raiders and Bradford Bulls before hitting new heights on Humberside – is recovering from a knee operation.

Shaw was among Super League’s improving try-scorers – he had scored four in six games – and a more than reliable goal-kicker when disaster struck as he suffered damaged anterior cruciate ligaments over the tough Easter programme.

He was carried from the pitch in the early stages of the game against Wigan, ending his hopes of a long-term run in the Rovers side.

Shaw returned home to Barrow following an operation and does not expect to return to action until pre-season training at the end of this year.

“It’s a bit gutting, because I was just starting to play well, but I suppose it is all part of the game,” he said.

“It happens to most players at some time. It is the first serious injury I have had and the first operation.

“I will go back to Hull to start rehab work with weights and such like to make it (the knee) a bit stronger.”

The lay-off has, however, given Shaw time to think about things outside rugby and he is planning to look into the possibility of a college course.

“I have not been doing a lot after the operation, but I have got to start to look for something away from the game and I have got meetings planned with the college over in Hull,” said the versatile 23-year-old back.

“To be honest, I don’t have a clue about what to do or know what courses are available – I’ll have to wait and see what the college has to say before I decide. At the moment, I’m in a bit of a no-man’s land.”

With the prospect of a nine month lay-off ahead of him, Shaw is relying on a rest cure and home care to prepare him for the hard work ahead.