Former New Zealand international Robbie Paul will miss the first two months of the new season with relegated Salford because of a back injury.

The former Bradford and Huddersfield half-back, who was appointed vice-captain on his close-season move to the Reds, is to undergo surgery to remove a troublesome disc.

Paul, who turns 32 next week, will miss the club's group matches in the Northern Rail Cup but is expected to recover in time for the start of the National League campaign at Easter.

Salford football director Steve Simms said: "Robbie is obviously very disappointed that the start of his Salford career has been put on hold but having the surgery now means we will have his talent available at the business part of the season, when we begin the league in earnest."

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