BRIDGES SUFFERS MORE INJURY HEARTACHE

The 22-year-old, who was dogged by injury for almost the whole of last season, has suffered yet more heartache with the news he will not be fit until September at the earliest.

The former Sunderland ace has not played for Leeds since October last year when he damaged ankle ligaments in Istanbul, during their Champions League game against Besiktas.

However, the young striker attempted a comeback in a reserve game last season and injured his knee, which has failed to respond to treatment and now requires surgery.

Bridges`s absence from the first-team will give David O`Leary an easier job of selecting his front-line for the start of the Premiership campaign, with Mark Viduka, Robbie Keane and Alan Smith challenging for the two forward roles.