SHAUN LUNT will not be risked for Sunday’s home Super League clash against Harlequins.

But Giants coach Nathan Brown is confident the England hooker will be available for the Galpharm clash against Leeds Rhinos seven days later.

The 24-year-old England ace, pictured left, was hoping to be fit to return this weekend after undergoing groin surgery two months ago which was expected to keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.

That return has now been delayed, however, with Brown not prepared to risk bringing Lunt back a couple of days early, particularly as he’s once again got the luxury of having an almost fully-fit squad at his disposal.

Although Lunt will be sitting out this weekend’s clash, Danny Brough (side strain), Dale Ferguson (back), Keith Mason (knee) and Joe Wardle (hamstring) are all ready to return.

And with other senior members of the squad having now shaken off niggly injuries because of last weekend’s Challenge Cup final break, Brown is feeling far more positive about his potential line-up.

“It’s looking a lot more healthy now, and that will hopefully be reflected in the performances to come,” said Brown, who now only has Luke O’Donnell (knee) on the long-term injury list.

“Broughy will definitely be back, while Dale, Keith and Joe are also fit again, so we do have a number of options up our sleeve, which hasn’t been the case for a couple of months.

“We’ve also got other key members of the squad who have clearly benefited from having a weekend off. They’ve been able to shake off their niggles.

“It would obviously have been even better if Lunty had been available, too, but he won’t be right this week. It’s more than likely he’ll be okay for the Leeds game the following week.

“That will clearly depend on how he progresses over the next two or three days, but it is looking very positive.

“We all know that when Lunty’s fully fit he does a very good job for us in a key position, and we’re confident that’s what he’ll be doing for us over the next few weeks.”