MATTY Russell looks set to make a wing berth his own after asking boss Tony Smith for a switch to the flank.

The Scotland international featured largely at full back last season, but scored twice from left wing in the win over Hull KR on Sunday.

And Warrington Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith expects the 21-year-old to stay there.

“He was keen to have a shot at wing, his chance came and he took it with both hands,” said Smith.

“So it was very pleasing for Matty and he did a great job for us there the other day. He seemed right at home and finished well for his tries. He was a handful all day.

“With different personnel, and personnel missing, this year the opportunity has come for him.”

Rhys Evans had three operations on his shoulder on Monday, affording Russell an opening on the wing.

But Smith insists the request from Super League 2014's top metre maker had nothing to do with losing his teeth when hit by a high tackle at full back against Widnes Vikings in last season’s play-offs.

“Rhys had to have a whole heap of repairs," Smith added. "He had a couple of little tears, some ligament and a piece of muscle reattached.

“It’s incredible really that he was able to play on during the game that he injured it in. He’s going to have a fairly lengthy recovery now.

“With Rhys’ injury it gave Matty an opportunity and he’s taken it. You can see on that performance why he was so keen to play wing.

“Matty shouldn’t have any bother with that injury (at Widnes), it’s well and truly in the past. He’s fine, well past that.”

Smith has also attempted to address his side's kicking game ahead of the clash with Leeds Rhinos tomorrow, Friday, kick off 8pm.

"It’s been a real difficult one," said Smith. "We’ve had a lot of indoor sessions this year, either due to waterlogged pitches or frozen weather.

"It’s really hampered some aspects of team training and kicking practice. We can do some practice of shorter kicks in the indoor facility we’ve got, but we can’t do long-distance kicking and that’s really where we’ve been lacking.

"It’s purely down to lack of practice opportunity. Hopefully we will improve with the better weather.

"Kicking game is such an important aspect, otherwise it puts so much pressure on everything else."

But Smith is confident his young kickers are still learning.

"Leeds have got a couple of masterful and experienced kickers in Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow when he's on," he said.

"They’ve done it for many years and we’ve got some who are still learning how to ply their trade.

"They’ll have good days and not so good days, just like a young Sinfield, McGuire and Burrows did.

"We’re going through the process of learning, we review and practice and try to apply it in games."