Blackburn Rovers' worst fears have been realised with the news
Steven Reid has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Reid had only just returned to training following a near-five-month
lay-off with a back injury when he suffered a knee problem in a
session on Friday.
The Republic of Ireland international immediately underwent a scan
on the injury and the diagnosis of cruciate ligament damage means
the influential star will not play again this season.
"We are desperately sorry for the lad," said Rovers chairman John
Williams.
"He had worked so hard to get back to full fitness after his back
injury and was close to making a return to action."
The setback to Reid is expected step-up manager Mark Hughes's
attempts to sign ex-Rovers midfielder David Dunn from
Birmingham.