A Worcester City footballer is recovering after he was attacked in the street leaving him with a broken jaw.

Barry Woolley, right, was assaulted in Lichfield, Staffordshire, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 26-year-old will be out of action for at least two months after a plate was inserted into his jaw at Derby Royal Infirmary yesterday.

One man from Rugeley, Staffordshire, was arrested and bailed in connection with the incident.

"We are absolutely gutted for Barry. He's a smashing lad, a gentle giant and a true gentleman," said club chairman, Dave Boddy, of the 6ft 4in centre half.

"It's a severe setback for both the lad and the club. He was on the verge of coming back from injury and was going to be available for our game at Southport on Saturday.

"Everybody at the club is in total shock by this. It is something you don't expect to happen, but I suppose indicative of today's society."

Worcester City FC manager John Barton has spoken to the family who said they are considering pressing charges.

"He was struck with something, possibly a glass bottle, and he was then hit the floor. He was out cold," he said.

"He's has stitches put in the back and front of his head and he has also broken his jaw. He's discharged himself and has had a metal brace fitted to his jaw. He can put his teeth together and that's a good thing, but it will be at least six to eight weeks before his jaw fully recovers."

Woolley has played 43 games, scoring five goals, since he was signed by City from Ilkeston Town in August 2003 for an undisclosed four-figure fee.

A spokesman for Staffordshire police said Mr Woolley was attacked by one or two men in the centre of Lichfield at about 1.10am.

They have appealed for witnesses to the attack to come forwards.