COUGARS hooker Sean Kelly is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines following the recent knee injury he sustained against Oldham.

Kelly was injured heading into a tackle in the 37th minute and the injury had originally been diagnosed as a sprained knee after visiting hospital later that evening.

However, results of a scan undergone last Thursday revealed an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear and damage to the ligament and cartilage in the knee.

Kelly said: “I was running with the ball and stepped off my right leg and just felt my knee go from under me. I was in pain straight away and knew I’d done something serious to my leg.

“I’m gutted about the injury as I was getting more game-time this season than I thought I would and was really enjoying being a part of the rugby we’re playing.

“I’d also like to put on record my thanks to club, especially Marchy, for their support and their help in speeding the process up to see a specialist, aid my recovery and get me fixed up and back on the pitch as quick as possible.”

Following Sunday’s victory against Barrow, coach Paul March said: “He’s having an operation at some point during this week and will undergo another operation later on but the diagnosis is worst than we first feared.

“It’s a real shame for Sean because he has cemented a place in the first team this year and he will have the full support of the club and will hopefully come back from this a better player.”

March also confirmed that brother David is likely to return following a month on the sidelines, while James Feather will continue to be monitored following the head injury sustained against Swinton.