SHAUN LUNT may be back in Giants Super League action as early as next weekend.

There were big fears Huddersfield’s inspirational 22-year-old hooker had suffered a broken wrist during Friday’s 14-6 defeat at Hull FC.

But initial tests have revealed the former Workington man is more likely to have damaged ligaments and he could make an immediate return to duty.

That will be confirmed over the next few days once the swelling around the injury has gone down, but Giants chief Nathan Brown is feeling far more confident than he was on Friday night.

“It didn’t look good at first, and we were pretty worried for Shaun,” said Brown.

“But it now looks as if it’s not as bad as we first thought. Obviously, we’re waiting for more checks to be carried out, although we are a lot more hopeful.

“It’s still too early to say if he’ll be fit for Hull KR, even if it is ligament damage rather than a break, but it does look more optimistic than it did a couple of days ago.”

A quick return to action for Lunt would be vital for the Giants, with fellow hooker Brad Drew still sidelined following knee surgery.

But Brown knows he still has top young hooker Keal Carlile waiting in the wings should the club first-choice No9 be ruled out.

“Keal’s training well after recovering from his knee injury about four weeks ago,” added Brown.

“He’s a very talented young player and is definitely an option if we do need to look for a replacement for Lunty.”