Barry Roche set to miss the rest of the season with a hip injury
MORECAMBE goalkeeper Barry Roche is set to miss the rest of the season after a scan revealed he needs an operation on a hip injury.
Roche missed a large chunk of the pre season programme with a hip problem but a scan after the draw with York in midweek has revealed the full extent of the problem.
Boss Jim Bentley said the news was a huge blow for Roche, and for the club.
He said: "The scan has shown an injury similar to the one that Jack Redshaw had last year and he needs surgery as soon as possible.
"It's a huge blow because Barry is a top keeper at this level and has had a great season so far.
"He is a player who hasn't had many injury problems since joining us so I know how devastated he will be as well to get one so bad as this.''
The news was a further blow for Bentley as it came so soon after hearing that Jamie Devitt could be ruled out for up to two months with a hamstring injury picked up against York.
Bentley said: “We’ve had him scanned and it’s not great news.
“He’s got a grade two tear of one of the muscles in his hamstring and a grade one of the other one.
“Two muscles in the hamstring have taken some damage.
“It’s football, it happens and we can’t moan about it. Everyone’s in the same boat I’m sure.
“People pick up injuries it’s just that we’ve picked up quite a few recently.
“It’s one of those things, he’ll be a big miss for us because he’s been doing well.”
“When he has played, he’s performed very well.
“He makes things happen, he sees a pass and I’d say over last couple of games he’s been our best player.
“It’s a big blow to us. It’s disappointing for the lad himself and for us but we’ll have to run without him until around Christmas now.”
Below: Barry Roche reflects on his injury news.