St Mirren midfielder Magennis out for rest of season

St Mirren have been dealt a blow with the announcement Kyle Magennis is ruled out for the season with knee ligament damage.

The midfielder had to be substituted early into his side’s 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday evening and tests have shown that he has cruciate ligament damage that will require surgery.

Magennis will now miss the remaining games of the Premiership season and aim to return to full training in the summer.

St Mirren manager JimGoodwin said: “Kyle went for a scan yesterday and it was as feared.

“He has done his cruciate ligament so we are looking at a lengthy lay-off for Kyle.

“His season will certainly be over and we will work hard during the rehab to make sure he is back for pre-season.”

Goodwin admitted the player’s absence will be keenly felt as Saints try to move away from the bottom of the Premiership table but said that his sympathies were with Magennis as he comes to terms with the setback.

“He has been captain in a number of games this season in Stephen McGinn’s absence and I think that gives you the idea of the character of the boy that I am willing to make him captain at such a young age,” Goodwin said.

“He leads by example, a great attitude and technically a fantastic player.

“We have had interest in him prior to this so it is a blow to the boy more than anything else.

“I am obviously disappointed because I lose a good player from the team but I am more disappointed for him.

“I have been there myself as a player and it is the worst thing that can happen. It is important that we as a club support him as best we can.

“He will get the best rehab possible and we will make sure we get the best surgeon possible to do the operation, and he is from a good family so he will get good support.”