By Martin Morgan

Last updated 14:20, Thursday, 14 August 2008

Carl Rudd faces double disappointment after being told he will miss the rest of the season with Whitehaven and the possibility of making his World Cup debut for Scotland Down Under.

Haven's Carl Rudd. pic MIKE McKENZIE

The crocked Haven playmaker had been in strong contention for a place in Steve McCormack’s initial 40-man Scotland squad for the tournament, which kicks off in Australia in October.

The former Wath Brow star turned pro under the then Recre boss McCormack in 2004, and Rudd went on to be a key performer for the next coach in the Haven hotseat Dave Rotheram, the current Scotland No 2 and Workington Town boss.

“Steve and Dave were in touch to ask if I wanted to go to the World Cup,” said Rudd. “I’m getting married on October 17 and was going over to Australia after I had tied the knot, if selected.

“Danny Brough (Scotland skipper) gets married at that time and I could have gone over with him. It would have been nice to play over there but never mind.”

Rudd was arguably Haven’s key performer before suffering a knee injury in the Challenge Cup clash with Wigan in May.

On Monday he sees Oswestry-based surgeon Dai Rees, who has worked with a string of Premiership soccer stars, and further surgery is probably on the cards.

“It’s disappointing to miss the rest of the season, especially with the way the lads are playing,” he added. “It’s hard to watch them and not be playing, but you’ve still to cheer them on.”

Rudd’s aim now is to make sure he is fit for next season while in the longer-term he is hoping to help lead Haven to a Super League licence.

“We have to make sure we qualify for a Grand Final before we can get a licence,” he said. “Once in Super League, we could develop our local lads. Look at how many French players have come through for Catalans, now they are playing quality opposition every week.”

nYESTERDAY’S Pride of Five £100 winner was J Davidson, Lingmell Close, Mirehouse, with ticket number 2,895.