02.06.2010- Bayern's Turkey star Altintop extends contract

02.06.2010- Barcelona make official bid for Arsenal's Fabregas

02.06.2010- Marseille ready to splash out on Forlan: report

02.06.2010- Former Croatia defender Kovac hangs up his boots

02.06.2010- Redknapp expects Cole to snub Spurs

02.06.2010- Real's Mourinho eyes Gerrard: report

02.06.2010- Bent anguish at England axe

02.06.2010- Red Knights decide to halt United takeover bid

02.06.2010- Cannavaro signs for Dubai's Al-Ahli

02.06.2010- S.Africans learn tongue twister national anthem

26.05.2010- Albion sign Irish winger Reid from Blackburn

26.05.2010- Birmingham seal deal for Serbia striker Zigic

26.05.2010- Mexico striker Franco to be released by West Ham

24.05.2010- McLeish sees his future at Birmingham

24.05.2010- Liverpool's Benitez rules out UAE job

23.05.2010- Blackpool ready to rock Premier League giants

22.05.2010- Blackpool promoted to the Premier League

21.05.2010- Crouch counts on goals record to win Capello's heart

19.05.2010- Relegated Portsmouth offer new deals to Kanu, James

19.05.2010- Zimbabwe star Benjani won't get Sunderland move

19.05.2010- Birmingham sign Man Utd keeper Foster

18.05.2010- Cudicini signs one-year contract with Tottenham

16.05.2010- Chelsea eyes Champions League after double glory

15.05.2010- Ankle injury gives Ballack World Cup worry

15.05.2010- Grant rues missed opportunity for FA Cup glory

15.05.2010- Chelsea beat Portsmouth to win FA Cup

15.05.2010- Chelsea's Anelka slams former boss Grant

15.05.2010- Ancelotti hoping Chelsea can make history

15.05.2010- Rooney's new-found maturity boosts England

14.05.2010- Wigan swoop for Paraguay defender Alcaraz

14.05.2010- Pompey don't need luck to shock Chelsea, says Grant

14.05.2010- Berbatov ready to fight for Man Utd future

13.05.2010- I want to be the boss, says Rooney

11.05.2010- Wenger will get transfer backing, says Arsenal chief

11.05.2010- Sunderland sign Paraguay star Riveros

11.05.2010- Australia star Cahill to "sign for life" at Everton

11.05.2010- Al Fayed wouldn't block England move for Hodgson

11.05.2010- West Ham sack boss Zola

10.05.2010- Rooney completes awards hat-trick

10.05.2010- Spurs' Redknapp snaps after squad slip-up

10.05.2010- Ancelotti vows to maintain Chelsea winning streak

09.05.2010- Terry savours end of Chelsea's three years of hurt

09.05.2010- Hammers' topsy-turvy season ends in City stalemate

09.05.2010- Drogba demolition job seals Chelsea title triumph

09.05.2010- King Carlo escapes Mourinho's shadow at last

09.05.2010- United settle for second despite winning finish

09.05.2010- Chelsea thrash Wigan 8-0, win Premier League title

08.05.2010- Chelsea star Kalou eyes title party

08.05.2010- Hodgson would take on challenge of a big club

08.05.2010- Malouda confident of Chelsea win

07.05.2010- We can't let title slip away now: Chelsea boss

07.05.2010- Fergie rues week that cost Man Utd

07.05.2010- Wigan won't give Chelsea easy title ride vows boss

06.05.2010- Man Utd to take on MLS All-Stars

06.05.2010- Man City's Barry gives England a scare

06.05.2010- Premier League reject Fulham request

05.05.2010- Tottenahm secure Champions League spot with win over City

04.05.2010- Mancini wants City to make history

04.05.2010- Benitez keeps Liverpool guessing

04.05.2010- Coventry sack boss Coleman

04.05.2010- Scharner to leave Wigan

03.05.2010- Rangers bidder 'optimistic' on takeover

03.05.2010- Blackburn stun Gunners with comeback win

03.05.2010- Hull City relegated from English Premier League

03.05.2010- Fergie admits United's league title chances fading

03.05.2010- Ancelotti bottles emotions, Chelsea close on title

02.05.2010- United take title race down to the wire

02.05.2010- Euro finalists Fulham defeat Hammers

02.05.2010- Chelsea closer to title triumph after sinking Liverpool

01.05.2010- Ferguson expecting no favours from United old boy Bruce

01.05.2010- Ancelotti's 93 reasons why Chelsea should be champions

02.05.2010- City stars told to treat Spurs clash as cup final

01.05.2010- Comeback City crush Villa in fight for fourth

01.05.2010- Relegated Portsmouth brush aside Wolves

01.05.2010- Stoke stalemate ends Everton's Euro bid

01.05.2010- Keane lifts lid on Irish players' drink problems

01.05.2010- Birmingham pile on the misery for Burnley

01.05.2010- Benitez tight-lipped over Liverpool future

30.04.2010- Spurs warned to be wary of Bolton gatecrashers

01.05.2010- Champions Rangers need talent injection, says Miller

30.04.2010- Liverpool won't do us any favours: Ancelotti

28.04.2010- Carsley to leave Birmingham

27.04.2010- Solano arrested on suspicion of rape: report

27.04.2010- Birmingham defender Carr faces police probe

27.04.2010- Everyone but Parker can go says Hammers owner

26.04.2010- Gerrard sees Reds confidence flooding back

26.04.2010- Sorensen World Cup dream alive as surgery avoided

26.04.2010- Relegation crisis looms for Hull

26.04.2010- Burnley's Laws pleads for club's restoration job

25.04.2010- Danish keeper Sorensen faces World Cup heartbreak

25.04.2010- Late Arteta penalty gives Everton victory over Fulham

25.04.2010- Milner spot-on for Villa in derby win

24.04.2010- Season only a success if Chelsea win title: Ancelotti

24.04.2010- Ebanks-Blake puts Wolves on brink of safety

24.04.2010- Bent pushes Hull to the brink of relegation

24.04.2010- Nani stars as Man Utd return to summit

22.04.2010- Toure warns Adebayor to keep cool in Arsenal reunion

22.04.2010- Spurs confirm Pompey debt over Begovic

22.04.2010- Portsmouth struggle under weight of huge debt

21.04.2010- Villa move up EPL table as Hull suffer

21.04.2010- Hull chairman slams 'short-sighted' predecessor

19.04.2010- Liverpool stroll keeps heat on Hammers

18.04.2010- Super-sub Delfouneso keeps Villa's Euro bid alive

18.04.2010- Wigan fightback shatters Arsenal's title hopes

17.04.2010- Wenger focuses on future as Arsenal face Wigan

18.04.2010- Ancelotti promises no panic as Chelsea fall to Spurs

18.04.2010- Fulham fbl manager concerned over team's travel plans

18.04.2010- Ferguson savours latest Man Utd late show

17.04.2010- Ten-man Chelsea stunned by Spurs

17.04.2010- Hull grab rare away point at Birmingham

17.04.2010- Sunderland push Burnley nearer drop

17.04.2010- Cahill keeps Everton's European dream alive

17.04.2010- Wolves edge closer to safety after Fulham stalemate

17.04.2010- Taylor's double lifts Bolton clear of trouble

17.04.2010- Scholes keeps United in title hunt

16.04.2010- Ferguson not intimidated by City's spending power

16.04.2010- Cole return boosts Ancelotti but double talk off limits

16.04.2010- Spurs star Kranjcar ruled out for rest of season

16.04.2010- Mancini ready for City's defining run-in

16.04.2010- Scholes signs new deal with United

16.04.2010- US owners put Liverpool up for sale

16.04.2010- More China players 'one day' in EPL: Carson Yeung

15.04.2010- English Premier League challenges pay-TV ruling

14.04.2010- Spurs deliver hammer blow to Arsenal's Premier League title bid

13.04.2010- Anelka puts Chelsea in control of Premier League title race

13.04.2010- Foy to referee FA Cup final

12.04.2010- Portsmouth set for cash boost after 'crazy' Cup win

12.04.2010- United title challenge slipping away: Ferguson

11.04.2010- No room for error as United head for Blackburn

10.04.2010- Man United focus turns to Premiership title chase

09.04.2010- 'Integrity' chief takes Pompey hotseat

09.04.2010- Ferguson confirms Rooney to miss Blackburn trip

08.04.2010- Ridgewell ready to pen new Blues deal

08.04.2010- Premier League still the best says Man U. boss Ferguson

06.04.2010- Newcastle targets title after promotion party

05.04.2010- Newcastle promoted to Premier League

05.04.2010- Peterborough relegated, Albion close on promotion

04.04.2010- Ilan's late equaliser gives West Ham glimmer of hope

04.04.2010- Wigan in relegation trouble after defeat at Fulham

04.04.2010- United can't afford to dwell on Chelsea defeat: Vidic

04.04.2010- Zola won't change Hammers' style

04.04.2010- Man. United count the cost of Rooney injury

04.04.2010- Redknapp praying on Spurs' walking wounded

03.04.2010- City go fourth after hitting Burnley for six

03.04.2010- Stoke increase battling Hull's drop worries

03.04.2010- 10-man Pompey frustrate Blackburn in dour draw

03.04.2010- Young puts Villa back on European track

03.04.2010- Villa's O'Neill to assess at end of season

03.04.2010- Chelsea earn crucial win at title rivals United

03.04.2010- Six out of six can deliver title, Almunia tells Gunners

02.04.2010- Three-star West Brom edge closer to Premier League

02.04.2010- West Ham make complaint over Fulham selection

01.04.2010- Birmingham ready to spend after sealing survival

01.04.2010- Ancelotti relieved to see Rooney miss out

29.03.2010- Tevez scores hat-trick as Manchester City beat Wigan

29.03.2010- Police hold 40 fans after Burnley-Blackburn derby

28.03.2010- Torres stars as Liverpool close gap to fourth place

28.03.2010- Blackburn win pushes Burnley closer to relegation

28.03.2010- Chelsea's Lampard ready for Man Utd showdown

28.03.2010- Redknapp wary of lurking Liverpool

27.03.2010- Berbatov at double as four-star United regain lead

27.03.2010- Wolves edge nearer safety with Everton draw

27.03.2010- Phillips equaliser puts dent in Arsenal's title bid

27.03.2010- Chelsea in seventh heaven as Lampard scores four

27.03.2010- Old boys at the double as Spurs crush Pompey

27.03.2010- Fuller piles the pressure on Zola as Hammers crash again

27.03.2010- Hull renew hope by beating Fulham

27.03.2010- No sentiment in Spurs, Pompey clash

27.03.2010- Man Utd looking for seventh straight win at Bolton

27.03.2010- Drogba desperate for Chelsea victory over Villa

27.03.2010- Wenger ready to banish Birmingham blues

26.03.2010- Ancelotti readies Chelsea for first Premiership final

26.03.2010- Grant slams Premier League as Pompey face relegation

26.03.2010- Chelsea will steal title from tired rivals: Ancelotti

26.03.2010- Giggs hints at Wales return

26.03.2010- Arsenal's run-in no advantage in title race: Fergie

25.03.2010- Wenger says only perfect Arsenal can take title

25.03.2010- Aston Villa to battle on despite draw with Sunderland

25.03.2010- Ancelotti still wary despite Chelsea Premiership win

24.03.2010- Nothing champion for Villa in Sunderland draw

24.03.2010- Mancini and Moyes sent off as Everton sink City

24.03.2010- Malouda hits Pompey hard as Chelsea push for title

24.03.2010- Dunn double gives Birmingham the blues

24.03.2010- Five-star Chelsea revive title bid

24.03.2010- United freeze ticket prices

24.03.2010- Cash-strapped Portsmouth allowed to sell players

24.03.2010- Portsmouth's Grant takes no pleasure in Chelsea pain

24.03.2010- Santa Cruz says home games could be champion for City

24.03.2010- Injury-hit Spurs turn to Gudjohnsen for Cup clash

23.03.2010- Wolves on the rampage against West Ham

22.03.2010- Arsenal appeal against Vermaelen red card

22.03.2010- Premier League fine adds to Pompey's problems

21.03.2010- Diouf puts dent in Chelsea's title challenge

21.03.2010- Livewire Tevez bursts Fulham's bubble

21.03.2010- Park sends Man Utd back to the top

21.03.2010- ManU boss takes dig at Liverpool ahead of Premier clash

21.03.2010- Redknapp eyes permanent Spurs deal for Gudjohnsen

21.03.2010- Wenger backs mature Arsenal in title challenge

20.03.2010- Almunia helps take 10-man Arsenal top

20.03.2010- Defiant Pompey drag Hull into mire

20.03.2010- Bent double fires Sunderland towards safety

20.03.2010- Kranjcar wonder strike keeps Spurs on Euro track

20.03.2010- Magnificent seven for rampant Everton

20.03.2010- Rodallega's late header breaks Burnley hearts

20.03.2010- Carew rescues Villa as late strike frustrates Wolves

20.03.2010- United aim to slay Liverpool jinx in Premiership hunt

17.03.2010- EPL confirms Portsmouth docked nine points

17.03.2010- Iain Dowie named as new Hull boss

16.03.2010- Villa push for Europe back on track

15.03.2010- Torres double inspires Liverpool to easy win

15.03.2010- Premier League strugglers Hull sack manager

14.03.2010- Super-sub Johnson rescues City at the last

14.03.2010- United back in first place thanks to unstoppable Rooney

14.03.2010- Arsenal boosted by victory, Fabregas return

13.03.2010- Bendtner sinks Hull to keep Arsenal title bid alive

13.03.2010- Bolton ease relegation fears with Wigan triumph

13.03.2010- Birmingham demonstrate resilience with fightback

13.03.2010- Stoke stalemate dents Villa's Euro challenge

13.03.2010- Wolves grab initiative in relegation dogfight

13.03.2010- Pavlyuchenko fires Tottenham's Champions League bid

12.03.2010- Drogba aims to take Chelsea back to Premier League glory

11.03.2010- Arsenal captain Fabregas to miss Hull clash

10.03.2010- Nugent saves point as Burnley end losing run

07.03.2010- Five-star Everton push Hull deeper into trouble

07.03.2010- Grant praises Pompey spirit as Wembley beckons

07.03.2010- Ferguson salutes Scholes's century as United go top

06.03.2010- Scholes sends United to Premier League summit

06.03.2010- Walcott fires up Arsenal after Fabregas blow

06.03.2010- Bolton end travel sickness with win at West Ham

05.03.2010- Ferguson counting on character to deliver title

05.03.2010- Gunners aiming for return to pole

01.03.2010- Stoke rush to Shawcross defence

01.03.2010- Benitez mocks Allardyce as feud festers

28.02.2010- Torres keeps Liverpool's Champions League push alive

28.02.2010- Fulham deepen Sunderland gloom

28.02.2010- Spurs back in fourth position after Everton win

28.02.2010- Pompey boss has a point to prove

27.02.2010- Arsenal late show marred by horrific Ramsey injury

27.02.2010- Liverpool sign England youth star from QPR

27.02.2010- Knight lifts Bolton out of the bottom three

27.02.2010- Portsmouth back in business

27.02.2010- Wigan's relegation worries worsen as they pay the penalty

27.02.2010- Bayern face Hamburg as Bundesliga hots up

27.02.2010- Arsenal title hopes face stern test at Stoke

26.02.2010- Arsenal top of the league for finances

26.02.2010- Portsmouth football club enter administration

26.02.2010- Liverpool's Skrtel suffers broken foot

26.02.2010- Tottenham squad struck by mystery virus

25.02.2010- Portsmouth begin administration process

24.02.2010- Portsmouth told to forget Premier League bail out

24.02.2010- English clubs top Euro debt league

24.02.2010- Benitez in no hurry to play Torres

24.02.2010- Ferdinand and Anderson injuries take shine off United win

23.02.2010- Rooney helps United keep pressure on Chelsea

22.02.2010- Evra warns United to deal with mental fatigue

19.02.2010- McCarthy to miss Hull clash

18.02.2010- Portsmouth plan player sales to ease debt crisis

18.02.2010- Weakened Wolves incur suspended fine

18.02.2010- Coyle happy despite dour stalemate at Wigan

17.02.2010- Bolton stay in relegation zone after stalemate at Wigan

16.02.2010- Barry sends City fourth after dramatic draw at Stoke

15.02.2010- Vieira eager for Stoke test

14.02.2010- Bolton draw 1-1 to Spurs after penalty save

12.02.2010- Hull's Boateng wins red card appeal

11.02.2010- Hull and Arsenal fined over Emirates brawl

10.02.2010- Diaby gets Gunners firing again

10.02.2010- Allardyce wins battle with old pal Brown

10.02.2010- Relief for Zola as Hammers give City the blues

10.02.2010- Saha double sinks Chelsea as Terry struggles

10.02.2010- Nani sees red as United stay second

10.02.2010- Wolves stun Spurs again to boost survival bid

10.02.2010- Pompey battle for survival moves to High Court

10.02.2010- Zola calls on West Ham fans support for crunch match

10.02.2010- United returning to full power: van der Sar

10.02.2010- Drogba unwilling to relinquish Chelsea top spot

10.02.2010- Carragher confident as Liverpool recover mean streak

09.02.2010- Fulham crush struggling Burnley

09.02.2010- Dindane gives Pompey fans something to cheer at last

09.02.2010- City bolster European credentials

09.02.2010- Stoke still unbeaten in 2010 after draw with Wigan

09.02.2010- Pompey continue talks with taxman

09.02.2010- Vieira set for home debut as City aim to revive campaign

08.02.2010- We're in real trouble, admits McCarthy

08.02.2010- Ballack hits back at Wenger sniping

03.02.2010- Greening piles pressure on Pompey

02.02.2010- Ancelotti backs Terry as Chelsea held at Hull

02.02.2010- Reinforced Spurs ready for Leeds test

02.02.2010- Hull apply the brakes to Chelsea title charge

02.02.2010- County march on as Palace sink Wolves

02.02.2010- Chelsea held by Hull

02.02.2010- Kenyan PM rues missed Man City deal

01.02.2010- Goalkeeper Cech sees key week ahead for Chelsea

01.02.2010- Sunderland freefall goes on

01.02.2010- McDonald leaves Celtic, Keane set to be cock-a-hoop at move

01.02.2010- South Africa's McCarthy moves to West Ham

01.02.2010- Fergie hopes for a favour from Arsenal

31.01.2010- City players show Bridge support over Terry scandal

31.01.2010- Imperious United sweep Arsenal aside

31.01.2010- Rooney scores 100th Premier League goal

31.01.2010- Adebayor sparks City win over Pompey

30.01.2010- Mancini tells City to keep up United standard

30.01.2010- United, Arsenal set for another historic" lash

31.01.2010- Zola desperate for McCarthy to boost relegation battle

31.01.2010- Ancelotti puts trust in Terry

31.01.2010- Benitez plays down Hicks Liverpool talks

30.01.2010- Terry puts affair to one side with Chelsea winner

30.01.2010- Wolves rob Hull of precious points

30.01.2010- Blackburn frustrate West Ham

30.01.2010- Ridgewell's late strike frustrates Tottenham

30.01.2010- Liverpool double beats Bolton

30.01.2010- Everton ride luck to snatch win at Wigan

30.01.2010- Chelsea seek to avoid curse of Turf Moor

30.01.2010- Spurs visit underlines Birmingham progress

30.01.2010- Gerrard sees confidence returning to Reds

29.01.2010- Chelsea rest Drogba and Kalou after African adventure

29.01.2010- Fergie bills Gunners clash as biggest game of season

27.01.2010- Everton pile on the misery for Sunderland

27.01.2010- Kalinic helps Blackburn sink Wigan

27.01.2010- Downing's horror miss lets Arsenal off hook

27.01.2010- Chelsea halt Birmingham run to return to top

27.01.2010- Manchester derby fears mount after more arrests

27.01.2010- Crunch time looms in EPL title race

27.01.2010- Hammers line up McCarthy-Gudjohnsen strike force

27.01.2010- Rooney injury could shatter United's title bid: Ancelotti

26.01.2010- Webber keeps Portsmouth fighting

26.01.2010- Bentley shines as Spurs put Fulham to the sword

26.01.2010- Lee helps Coyle silence Burnley critics

26.01.2010- Listless Liverpool leave Benitez under pressure again

26.01.2010- Portsmouth transfer ban lifted

26.01.2010- Redknapp won't let Spurs dwell on Leeds let-down

25.01.2010- Redknapp won't let Spurs dwell on Leeds let-down

25.01.2010- Liverpool defender Skrtel demands winning run

23.01.2010- Beckford the hero again for last-gasp Leeds

22.01.2010- United eye return to the top

21.01.2010- Hull launch legal action against ex-chairman

21.01.2010- Benitez expects Reds to be spurred on to success

21.01.2010- Wenger's Arsenal fighters ready for title battle

20.01.2010- Kuyt at double as Liverpool down Spurs

20.01.2010- Arshavin sends Arsenal top of the table

20.01.2010- Wenger wants Arsenal to seize golden opportunity

19.01.2010- Portsmouth court tax challenge fails

19.01.2010- Portsmouth court tax challenge fails

19.01.2010- Moyes is not just another brick in the wall: Cahill

18.01.2010- Pompey threaten action against EPL over embargo

18.01.2010- Zaki set for Hull loan move

18.01.2010- Injuries take shine off Arsenal's title bid

17.01.2010- Arsenal keep title bid on track

17.01.2010- Villa miss out after Hammers draw

17.01.2010- Fabregas enjoys happy return at Bolton

17.01.2010- Rovers revival thwarts Fulham

17.01.2010- Villa miss out after Hammers draw

17.01.2010- United face Berbatov surgery dilemma

17.01.2010- Chelsea make light of Drogba absence

16.01.2010- Everton hand City boss Mancini first defeat

16.01.2010- Myhill heroics frustrate Spurs

16.01.2010- 10-man Wigan earn crucial win at Wolves

16.01.2010- United ensure losing start for Burnley's new coach Laws

16.01.2010- Magnificent seven boosts Chelsea title push

15.01.2010- Chelsea told to freeze rivals out of title race

15.01.2010- Evra certain United will retain Premier League title

15.01.2010- Hull star Altidore highlights Haiti tragedy

15.01.2010- Mancini won't guarantee Robinho's place

15.01.2010- Wenger believes Campbell could win England recall

15.01.2010- Stoke pull out of deal for England keeper James

14.01.2010- Chelsea told to pay City 3.5 million for Sturridge

13.01.2010- Laws named as new Burnley boss

13.01.2010- Campbell clears way to Arsenal comeback

12.01.2010- Ferguson escapes FA action over referee rant

12.01.2010- Campbell on brink of dramatic Arsenal return

12.01.2010- Mandaric charged with tax evasion

11.01.2010- Tevez treble guides City into fourth place

11.01.2010- No Vieira for City against Blackburn

11.01.2010- Coyle set for Bolton challenge

10.01.2010- Ferguson tests FA's patience with new ref rant

09.01.2010- United scrape Birmingham draw

09.01.2010- Arsenal indebted to supersub Rosicky

09.01.2010- Hull want players back from African Nations

08.01.2010- Big freeze hits EPL programme

08.01.2010- Fergie heaps praise on Yeung regime at Birmingham

08.01.2010- Ancelotti makes Anelka his main man for January

08.01.2010- Gunners' momentum born of mental strength: Wenger

08.01.2010- Big freeze hits English Premier League programme

07.01.2010- Arsenal to pay Bolton fans' travel costs - report

07.01.2010- United move Hull date to avoid fixture problems

07.01.2010- Portsmouth players to be paid at last

06.01.2010- Fulham striker Zamora facing injury lay-off

06.01.2010- Burnley appoint Davis as caretaker boss

06.01.2010- Arsenal v Bolton off due to snowfall

06.01.2010- Fulham striker Zamora facing injury lay-off

05.01.2010- Stoke claim points as Fulham feel the chill

05.01.2010- Pompey fail to pay players for third time

05.01.2010- Gunners' momentum born of mental strength: Wenger

05.01.2010- African football cup set to impact Premier League

04.01.2010- Everyone wants to join City now: Mancini

04.01.2010- New Gunners deal for Rosicky

04.01.2010- Coyle on verge of Bolton switch

04.01.2010- Grayson determined to reach top flight with Leeds

Hull's hopes of avoiding relegation from the English Premier League suffered a setback on Tuesday when leading scorer Stephen Hunt was ruled out of the rest of the season with a foot injury.

The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international has not played since the 3-0 defeat by West Ham on February 20 but he remains the Tigers' top scorer this term with six goals.

Hull were hoping Hunt would be fit for the run-in but will now have to do without the former Reading favourite.

Saturday's 4-1 loss to Burnley left Hull four points adrift of safety with five league matches left to play.

"It's a big blow," Hull manager Iain Dowie told the club's official website. "Whenever you lose your top goalscorer it's going to be a blow.

"Stephen couldn't settle down and the pain returned. The surgeon had a look at it and decided to pin a little bone in there.

"It's disappointing for the lad. I spoke to him this morning and he is bitterly disappointed.

"But we have to get on with things and we need some big players to step up to the plate against Birmingham on Saturday."