STOURPORT Swifts have been rocked by an injury blow which will rule defender Bryan Small out for the rest of the season.

Boss Dave Titterton was informed of the depressing news this week when a scan on Small's knee revealed the full-back has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament.

The injury will require surgery and is expected to keep the former Aston Villa player out for 12 months or more.

"It's a massive blow because he's a player who I rely on a lot on and off the pitch for his experience and the way he is about the place. I've suffered a similar injury myself which stopped me from being a professional footballer so I know it's not nice."

Small has been booked in for a consultation with a surgeon on Friday to find out when he will go under the knife.

Titterton fears the operation will disrupt the 32-year-old's working life as well as his football.

"He works at Birmingham Airport and he's on his feet all day so this is the last thing he needs," he said.

"The operation will probably leave him on crutches for three months so it's going to be a difficult time for him.

Swifts, who will continue to ask able deputy Nick Green to cover for Small at left back, have several other injury worries.

Mark Crisp, Duncan Willetts, John Hayward and Steve Hawkes are all doubtful for Saturday's Walshes Meadow clash with second-placed Rothwell in Southern League Division One West.