Tom Kearney today put a brave face on his disappointment as he prepared for a season on the sidelines.

The City midfielder's worst fears will be confirmed by specialist Steve Bollen when he visits the Yorkshire Clinic at Cottingley next week after a hospital scan revealed damage to a cruciate ligament.

Kearney is likely to undergo exploratory keyhole surgery and could then face major knee reconstruction which will rule him out for nine months.

It is a devastating blow for the 20-year-old and for City, who must also do without Peter Atherton for the next month. The defender has had tests on his groin injury which at least revealed no serious tear.

Danny Cadamarteri returned to training yesterday after a slight hamstring strain while Robert Molenaar will have a late fitness test on his back before Saturday's game with Rotherham.

But the loss of the tigerish Kearney leaves

a huge hole in City's streamline playing

options.

Kearney said: "It's horrendous and my head is down at the moment but unfortunately these things happen in football.

"There are a lot of people worse off than me and I've got to be positive about it however long it takes to get fit again.

"I was made up for the lads when they beat Ipswich and I will be there on Saturday cheering them on. But it won't be easy because I'm kicking my heels when I'm off training for a few days let alone for months like this."

City braced themselves for the bad news when Kearney hobbled off against Grimsby after his studs caught in the turf as he turned.

Boss Nicky Law, facing up to a growing catalogue of injuries, said: "I feel really sorry for Tom. It's a massive blow for him and for us because he has become such an important player for the team.

"It's just the story for us at the moment. We are taking two steps forward and five back.

"At least Peter Atherton's injury is not as bad as we feared. But he is still going to be out for four weeks which is a big loss.

"Peter's the sort of player that you only really notice when he is not there. He is an unassuming player who doesn't try and do anything clever but just gets on with the job.

"He is vastly experienced and reads the game superbly. He may not be the quickest defender around but he has a real calming influence out there. It's easy to forget about him because he just goes about his business but we shall really miss his presence."

Law is again looking at a loan option although he is limited by a strict wage budget. With

Gary Walsh at the Yorkshire Clinic on Monday for further tests on his damaged knee, Law is

concentrating on a goalkeeper as well as

another centre-half. But with the cash restrictions, it is unlikely to be long-term target Alan Combe.