DARLINGTON have been dealt a major blow after highly-rated defender Joey Hutchinson was ruled out for the season.

Hutchinson is facing up to seven months on the sidelines after scan results revealed cruciate knee ligament damage.

Despite early indications that the 22-year-old would only miss a month with a cartilage injury, further tests have concurred that the player requires surgery to reconstruct his knee.

The Teessider sustained the injury in the 1-1 draw at Rochdale last month, following an accidental clash with Dale striker Grant Holt.

Assistant manager Mark Proctor last night admitted the player is unlikely to feature again this season.

He said: "It's devastating news for us and for the kid. Joey has been one of our most consistent players this season and he'll be a huge loss.

"We had hoped it would just be cartilage damage and he would be back in weeks. But it's a lot more serious than we first thought and I think he will be lucky to play again this season.

"We're looking at April at the earliest but that's before he has any match practice."

Middlesbrough-born Hutchinson joined Quakers from Birmingham City on a free transfer in August last year, soon establishing himself as one of the division's best defenders.

Hutchinson's impressive displays have not gone unnoticed and a number of clubs have been monitoring his progress, including Swindon, who were knocked back in an approach for the player earlier this year.

Hutchinson will now await a date to go under the surgeon's knife.

Consequently, defender Matt Clarke will not be joining Bradford City. Clarke has resumed defensive duties to replace Hutchinson after starting the season as a stand-in striker.

"Bradford are very keen on Matt but Joey's injury has changed the situation," said Proctor.

"We have one or two options but it is more than likely that Matt will be staying with us."

The club will not be recalling defender David McGurk from his loan spell at York City. McGurk has a 28-day agreement with the Minstermen.

With Jemal Johnson's move from Blackburn on hold, Quakers boss David Hodgson will explore the possibility of drafting a defender in on loan.

"Our priorities have changed and we have made an inquiry for a defender," revealed Proctor. "We have lads like Joe Kendrick and Brian Close who can come in and do a job for us so will just have to wait and see."

Hodgson has several other injury worries to contend with ahead of Saturday's trip to eighth-placed Macclesfield.

Craig Hignett remains a major doubt with a groin strain, while Ian Clark is struggling with an ankle injury.

However, Stephen Thomas (hamstring) and Joe Kendrick (ankle) are making good progress, while Craig Russell has fully recovered from a thigh strain.

Striker Alun Armstrong returned to the North-East yesterday after spending two days training with former club, Ipswich Town and will make his second start for Quakers at the weekend.

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