A devastated Blake Ferguson has vowed to stay on the straight and narrow as he faces four months out of the NRL recuperating from ankle surgery.

Just four games into his return after a 22-month exile, former bad boy Ferguson has been sidelined for another long stretch due to ankle ligament damage suffered in his Sydney Roosters’ win over Canberra on Sunday.

However the 25-year-old was adamant he would not fall prey to off-field distraction and indiscretions as he has previously.

“I bet you guys (the media) are probably speculating that I am going to play up again, but it is not going to happen,” Ferguson said.

“I think with the support staff here we have got, physios, doctors, the boys, the people that I am around all the time there is going to be no problem with that.

“I have tremendous respect for the boys and I’m sure they have respect for me as well.

“It’s just about doing what is right for the club and what is right for my teammates, and for myself as well.”

Ferguson was sacked by Canberra in 2013 after a series of off-field incidents including a indecent assault charge.

The former NSW Origin player suffered ankle ligament damage to his other – left – ankle in training last year.

“It’s devastating but I know the injury pretty well, so I know what to do to get back,” said Ferguson.

“It is just missing the games that is going to hurt me, not being with the boys.

“Injury-wise it is a blessing it is the same one that happened last time, so I know what I have to do.

“It’s just not to the extent that happened to the other foot, it is not as bad.

“It is going to take a bit of time, but I’m sure I will be right.”

Shaun Kenny-Dowall is likely to shift to right centre in place of Ferguson for the Roosters’ round five clash with winless Cronulla at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, with Nene Macdonald moving onto the wing.