Four Nations: England lose injured Michael Shenton
Four Nations Dates: 23 October - 13 November Coverage: Live coverage and highlights on BBC One and BBC Two, BBC Sport website and BBC 5 live sports extra
Michael Shenton sets up scintillating second-half try for Gareth Widdop
England centre Michael Shenton has been ruled out of the remainder of the Four Nations after sustaining ankle ligament damage last Saturday in Wellington.
Shenton, 24, was injured during England's 24-10 defeat by New Zealand.
"I was looking forward to coming up against the Aussies but the ligament's completely ruptured," he said.
"It's pretty upsetting from a personal point of view but it gives a chance for someone else in the team. That's why you take a 24-man squad."
He will stay to watch England's vital match against the Kangaroos, adding: "I'm definitely going to support the boys on Sunday. I think the guys are really ready for it. Everybody has gelled really well on tour."
Shenton, who won his ninth cap against the Kiwis, picked up the injury in the closing stages of the first half at the Westpac Stadium but stayed on and produced the break that led to England's second try during their second-half fightback.
He explained: "I wasn't thinking about the injury. I had a million other things on my mind.
"There was a fair bit of pain but it could have been worse. I ripped off the full ankle strap, which probably cushioned the blow, and the fact that I played on was a good sign."
Shenton, who will play for St Helens in 2011 after completing a move from home-town club Castleford, will not require surgery and should be ready to take part in pre-season training under new Saints coach Royce Simmons next month.
"I just need to rest it," he said. "It's only a few weeks' injury. Unfortunately the tournament is only short, otherwise I might have been able to get back in time."
Shenton's injury comes after captain Adrian Morley flew home a week ago to have surgery on his ruptured biceps after being hurt in England's warm-up match against New Zealand Maori.
England were able to replace Morley with his Warrington team-mate Garreth Carvell because the tournament had not officially begun, but they will not be able to send for a replacement for Shenton and will now operate with a 23-man squad.
England coach Steve McNamara has two specialist centres yet to feature on tour, Leroy Cudjoe and Tony Clubb, vying to fill Shenton's role.
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