Prutton setback

Friday, August 18, 2006

David Prutton's hopes for a return to the Saints first team or a move from St Mary's have been dealt a setback with the news he could be out for three months after ankle surgery.

Prutton almost joined Leeds before the start of the season until a scan of the ankle he injured against Leicester in the FA Cup resulted in a failed medical.

There were several other clubs still believed to be interested in Prutton, who so far hasn't even made the bench for Saints this season.

But now all that is on hold after Prutton saw a specialist to determine the exact problem with his ankle - which he had been training and playing on without a problem.

Saints boss George Burley said: "David has seen a specialist on his ankle and after assessing it, it was decided he needs an operation."

Meanwhile, Saints have been buoyed by the news that Polish ‘keeper, Bartosz Bialkowski is only a couple of weeks away from a comeback with the reserves.

It is hoped that before too long he will be contending with new signing Kelvin Davies for a first team place.