Routis injury blow adds to Coyle’s woes

Ross County boss Owen Coyle is fearing the worst for Chris Routis following the midfielder’s injury on Sunday.

Routis injured his shoulder in the 2-1 loss to Rangers and Coyle fears the blow could end his season.

The 27-year-old was set to see a specialist yesterday to find out the full extent of the injury, though he has been cleared of a fracture and will definitely miss tonight’s home clash with Aberdeen as Coyle’s injury problems continue.

“We will be decimated by injury, that goes without saying,” Coyle said yesterday. “Chris Routis will see a specialist given the injury he had on Sunday.

“We are hoping it’s not as first feared because it looked as though the way he damaged his shoulder could be season ending – we certainly hope that’s not the case.

“We know he’s not fractured it, it’s now to the specialist to find the best way to get fit and healthy and forusitwouldhelptoknow as soon as possible.”

The Staggies have been struggling on the pitch – they are six points from safety – and off it too, with a lengthy injury list which has not been helped by a bout of sickness in the camp. Jim O’brien is the latest to be struck down and could be a doubt for tonight’s game, leaving Coyle keen to get some business done before the transfer window closes.

He said: “I’m expecting to try and do some [business], that’s for sure. It’s happened a few times before that the transfer deadline has fallen on the night of a game and that’s not ideal for anybody, but it happens.”