Gilks blow for Seasiders

Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks has been ruled out for up to two months with a broken kneecap.

The Scotland international sustained the injury taking a goalkick in last weekend's Barclays Premier League draw at West Ham.

The club initially thought the problem was tendinitis but manager Ian Holloway confirmed on Thursday the injury was worse than feared.

Holloway said: "He's got a cracked patella, which is your kneecap.

"If you can believe it he did it taking a goalkick but played on for 20 minutes until half-time.

"We knew it was sore but, gracious me, how brave is Matt?

"It's bad news. He is going to have to have it wired up and pinned up to get better and it could take a couple of months."

Gilks' absence means Ghana international Richard Kingson will continue for Saturday's clash against Wolves.

Paul Rachubka is ineligible, even though fit, as he was not named in the 25-man squad at the start of the season due to a knee injury. The club had expected the former Manchester United trainee to be out until January.

As back-up, 20-year-old Mark Halstead has been recalled from a loan spell at Barrow he only began last week.