BILLY Clarke has been ruled out of City's holiday programme with a knee injury.

The in-form striker damaged his medial ligament during last week's 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe.

Clarke had a scan yesterday and the club expect him to be sidelined probably until the middle of January.

City boss Phil Parkinson said: "He had a slight problem at half-time, which wasn't enough to stop him, but then the tackle from (Isaiah) Osbourne flared it up.

"Sometimes it doesn't feel as bad as it is during a game because of the adrenaline. But in the morning, we could see he has damaged the ligament.

"It's not a serious injury but it will certainly keep him out for a few weeks. Billy's done well for us but he's taking a breather and we will look for a balance in the team elsewhere."

Clarke and Jon Stead have started the last six unbeaten games together up front since the Irishman came on at half-time to turn the FA Cup tie at Halifax. He has scored three goals in that time.

Parkinson has plenty of choice to turn to for the Boxing Day trip to Fleetwood. Strikers James Hanson and Francois Zoko have both been limited to substitute roles recently.

The City chief said: "We've got decisions to make. Billy plays in a number ten role and it's a variation of the system with him.

"We've got Billy Knott and Mark Yeates who can play in that role if we keep it the same, or we can go to a more conventional 4-4-2. That's what we've got to decide on.

"We worked on a few different options in training yesterday and everybody's going to be needed over the next two games.

"The front two have been the catalyst for us but now we've got to evolve again as a team. We need to find a balance in the side and the right personnel to continue the run."

Talks are continuing with Filipe Morais and back-up goalkeeper Ben Williams, whose short-term contracts are due to run out. City are also chasing Huddersfield about keeping Stead after his loan is up.

Parkinson said on Morais: "It's in the hands of Julian (Rhodes) really. He's been speaking to Filipe's agent.

"We're trying to make contact with Huddersfield regarding Jon, while Ben Williams is also in the chairman's hands."