WILSON GUTTED BY HUNTER SETBACK

NORTHAMPTON TOWN manager Kevin Wilson has admitted that the latest injury setback for midfielder Roy Hunter is a major blow for the club, after the player had looked to have put his fitness worries behind him.

The 26-year-old has struggled with injury since 1998, making just 17 appearances for the club in the league last season, and he now seems to have suffered a recurrence of the knee problem that has dogged him over the past two years, after he was withdrawn just two minutes into his comeback match.

"He has battled back and trained hard, but it looks like he's picked up the same injury," said Wilson.

The former West Bromwich Albion trainee joined The Cobblers on a free transfer in 1995, and has since made 135 league appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals before being hampered by injury.

Wilson is now waiting on the advice of a specialist to see how long Hunter will now be out for, and he will be hoping to have the midfielder back in action as soon as possible as he looks for his side to maintain their promising start in the Second Division this season.

"It's heartbreaking for Roy," said Wilson. "He has battled back and trained hard but it looks like he's picked up the same injury. It's disappointing for the lad, but our main concern has to be Roy's welfare.

"We are waiting specialist advice before we know what we can do next but it's a massive blow for Roy Hunter and Northampton Town Football Club.

"It looked like Roy was ready to step up his comeback. He had trained hard and the idea was to give him 45 minutes at Crystal Palace but it didn't work out."

There was some good news for Wilson though, as four players are set to return from injury in the coming weeks, a major boost for the former Northern Ireland international.

"On the positive side, Richard Dryden will be fit for Saturday's game with Wrexham, and Duncan Spedding, John Frain and Richard Hope should all be fit for our next game with Bristol Rovers on October 14th," added Wilson.