CLARK Keltie has delivered another crushing blow to Darlington's play-off prospects after the Quakers skipper was yesterday told he could miss the rest of the season.

Assistant manager Martin Gray last night confirmed that Keltie suffered a broken hand during Sunday's derby defeat against Hartlepool.

The 23-year-old yesterday underwent an operation to insert a metal plate in his hand and will face up to six weeks on the sidelines.

"We've been told that Clark could be out for two to six weeks depending on the healing process. To lose your club captain is a big blow," said Gray.

"We could have done with him for the remaining part of the season, but now we'll have to hope he still has a part to play."

With Keltie ruled out of tomorrow's trip to Barnet, young midfielder Lewis Hardman has been added to the squad.

Manager Dave Penney has also been dealt a further setback with the news that Tim Ryan may not figure again this season after he was ruled out for up to a month with medial ligament damage.

"That's another big blow," admitted Gray. "We've just got him back from his previous injury, he played one game and now it looks as if we're going to lose him for the season."

Following Ian Miller's return to Ipswich and the loss of Ryan, Penney will also include defenders Patrick Collins and Kevin Burgess in the squad that will travel to London today.

Central defender David Wheater will play his final game for the club tomorrow before returning to Middlesbrough. Wheater will start alongside Mark Phillips at Underhill.

Goalkeeper Lee Jones has suffered another injury setback after the Welshman was ruled out for a fortnight with a groin problem.

The return to fitness of Micky Cummins and Gaetano Giallanza has provided Penney with some good news, although they won't come into consideration tomorrow, with the pair due to return to full training on Monday.