AARON MURPHY is standing by to take over from Jermaine McGillvary if the in-form Huddersfield Giants winger doesn’t recover from a heavy head knock.

But Huddersfield chief Nathan Brown remains confident his powerful No5 will recover in time to face Salford City Reds in Sunday’s Magic Week clash at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

McGillvary suffered a broken nose and badly bruised left eye after colliding with cousin Leroy Cudjoe during Friday’s top-of-the-table 32-12 home Super League defeat to leaders Wigan Warriors.

There were initial concerns the 24-year-old flyer may have been a major doubt for this weekend’s clash, with question marks also hanging over the fitness of David Faiumu and Larne Patrick.

But Brown is now hopeful all three men will be available as the Giants coach looks to keep changes to a minimum for this weekend’s high-profile encounter when all 14 top-flight clubs descend on Manchester.

“Physically, Wigan were better than us and, as a result, we’ve a few blokes carrying bumps and bruises,” said Brown, pictured right.

“There was obviously a fair bit of concern over Jerry, who was battered around a bit.

“We didn’t know at first how badly his vision had been affected, but that’s been improving all the time and we’re now feeling pretty confident he’ll be okay.