Skipper Jim Bentley says he is "devastated'' at being ruled out of the pre-season campaign.

Bentley has been told to avoid any physical contact after having surgery on a shoulder injury a fortnight ago and although he will be training this week he will be restricted to running on his own.

Bentley picked up the injury at the end of last season and after undergoing tests at the start of pre-season was forced to undergo surgery.

Said Bentley: "It's a real blow for me because I have been told I can't do anything physical for a few weeks yet. I will be able to train but most of it will be on my own because I can't chance making contact with someone and doing more damage.

"I hate missing games of any sort and it is a pain but I have to make sure I am right before I come back.''

He added: "I have been told I will probably miss all the pre-season games but I hope to be back as soon as possible when the season starts.''