Derry City have been rocked by a serious injury blow to Ciaron Harkin.
The midfielder shipped a knee injury in Friday’s win over Shamrock Rovers and tonight it was confirmed as an ACL rupture.
Harkin could miss the rest of the season although the Candystripes have not put a timeframe on his recovery.
Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins said: “‘Jackie’ is exactly the type of player who can bounce back from the injury.
“We’re all gutted for him but we know the type of person he is and we know his character. I have no doubt that he will come back from this a stronger person.”
Harkin, 26, has been an important figure in the Derry City set-up since joining from Coleraine ahead of the 2019 season.
And he was to be a key component in their midfield this season as the strengthened Candystripes squad look to challenge Shamrock Rovers for honours.
Higgins continued: “We need to see the values that he brings to the team remain within it.
“He may not be able to have the impact on the pitch that he would have wanted, but he’s an integral part of our dressing room and will remain so throughout the season.
“Everyone at the club holds ‘Jackie’ in very high regard. He will get the best of help from our excellent medical team throughout his recovery.
“We will assist him in every way possible to get him back doing what he does best as soon as possible.”
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