PRESTON LEFT TO RUE KO OF RISING TALENT
CALLUM Robinson is the latest Preston North End player to join the club’s long-term injury list.
The 23-year-old forward will miss at least three months with a hamstring injury he sustained during the second half of the derby victory against Blackburn Rovers.
Manager Alex Neil said: “Callum is going to be out for a minimum of three months and we will get an opinion on that as to whether he will need surgery or not.
“It’s really bad news for everyone connected with the club, because he has been our talisman this year.
“It’s the first real injury of his career and, naturally, he is gutted, and we are all gutted for him.
“He is having the season of his life and so it’s hugely disappointing for everyone at the club. The other lads will be disappointed, too. They are all good mates.”
Daniel Johnson faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a thigh problem, although the 26-yearold is now likely to be back in just over a month, while forward Sean Maguire, 24, is expected to be out until the new year with a hamstring issue.
On-loan Manchester City winger Brandon Barker, 22, has offered his sympathy to Robinson, but is keen to take advantage of the vacancy in the side.
“Callum was doing fantastically well and I am disappointed we haven’t had a chance to play together as I feel we could have both been assets for the team,” he said.
“I wish him all the best with his rehab, I have been there. He just needs to get his head down and be strong and I know that he will be, with the character that he is.
“I have had to bide my time a bit; but I was in the team on Tuesday and I thought I did all right and the more games that come, the better.”