WARRIORS centre Paul Johnson looks set for a more demanding role against Challenge Cup minnows Swinton Lions on Sunday as coach Stuart Raper looks to fill the holes left by his injured pack stars writes Chris Hall

Johnson was ruled out of Wigan's first Super League win of the season over Huddersfield last week after picking up a ban for a high tackle during the opening round defeat at Castleford.

Now he looks set for a recall to the starting 13 for Sunday's quarter-final tie, which has been switched from Swinton to the JJB Stadium.

But, with fellow Great Britain internationals Terry O'Connor, Mick Cassidy and skipper Andy Farrell still sidelined, Johnson is expected to take up an unfamiliar role among the forwards to boost an inexperienced pack.

Raper said the proposed role switch was aimed at eliminating his match rustiness after injury allowed him just eight Super League starting appearances last season.

"I'm pretty sure he will go in the starting line-up, although I'm not sure where just yet," he said.

"It will be pretty much the same squad as last week but with Paul Johnson in there somewhere. I might play him in the back row.

"He's not played a lot of footy over the past year and in the centres you don't always see a lot of the ball. At least he will get to see plenty of action up there in the pack.

"It's something we were forced to try in the Castleford game when we lost Andy Farrell and Mick Cassidy. He played the majority of the game in the back row that day and he might again on Sunday."

Raper hoped to have Farrell, knee, and Cassidy, torn calf muscle, back in time for next week's trip to Wakefield Wildcats.

But O'Connor will have to wait at least until the London clash a week later to make his long-awaited comeback from a foot injury.