CLITHEROE manager Lee Sculpher has described midfielder Carl Greenwood's injury as 'a massive loss'.

The 27-year-old battler has been a virtual ever-present in the Clitheroe side for the past four seasons but broke his leg in four places in the 1-1 draw against Curzon Ashton last Thursday.

"From my point of view he has been our best player this season, our most consistent," said Sculpher.

"He is a massive loss not just for this season but for next as well. He could be out for up to nine months, depending on how it heals."

But Sculpher hinted that he may never play again.

"I am hoping he makes a speedy recovery and plays for us again. But sometimes when players get this sort of injury they don't ever play again.

"But I am more than hopeful that he will be playing again for us before the end of next season."

And with Greenwood's midfield partner Neil Reynolds also on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury, the engine room of the Blues side has been ripped out.

"Neil went to see Mick Rathbone, the physio at Preston, this week and he said the tear may heal itself with the help of some physiotherapy.

"He is hoping to get a game before the end of the season."

Andy Cowking and Andy Taylor took the two midfield berths in last Saturday's 1-0 win over Maine Road.

And Rossendale midfielder Gary Rishton has joined the club until the end of the season.

The Blues face Skelmersdale away in NWCL Division One tomorrow hoping for revenge after a 2-0 defeat earlier in the season.