CARL MAGNAY, the Hartlepool United right-back, is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

After being forced off in the first-half of Saturday’s draw with Mansfield, scans have revealed anterior cruciate ligament damage.

Magnay left The Northern Gas and Power Stadium on crutches at the weekend, and has since received the worst possible news.

The club’s head physio Ian Gallager said: “Carl has ruptured the ACL and damaged other structures in his left knee joint.

“He had a scan in Darlington on Monday which confirmed our worst fears and now we will have to wait for the swelling to go down before he undergoes corrective surgery.

“Unfortunately, it means that he will be out for a minimum of six months but we will work closely with the surgeon after the operation and follow his protocols.

“Carl has been through this injury before with his other knee so he is aware of the hard work that lies ahead as we return him to fitness.’’

It was September last year when Magnay was sent off at Wycombe and subsequently missed nine games through suspension under an FA misconduct charge.

Magnay’s long-term absence is likely to mean an extended run in the side for Liam Donnelly, who signed for Pools after impressing on trial following his release from Fulham.

He started on Saturday at left-back, but switched to the opposite flank when Magnay went off.

Donnelly, however, is captain of Northern Ireland’s Under-21 side and will be missing at the start of next month on international duty against Ukraine (October 6) and France (October 11).

Pools reserves beat Rotherham 2-1 with a last-minute goal from striker Jake Orrell. Tom Heardman, on loan from Newcastle, headed Pools into the lead which was soon cancelled out.

Brad Walker missed a second-half penalty to give Pools the lead before Orrell’s late near post volley.