Brian McLean out for season with knee injury?

Defender Brian McLean suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury thanks to a crude tackle in last week's friendly and could missout for the whole of seaosn 2008/09. McLean had forced himself back into Mark McGhee's plans following a successful spell in the side at the end of last season.

This is a serious blow for the 23 year old defender who took almost all of season 2005/06 to recover from a similar injury. The initial injury coming only weeks after he signed for Well on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell during 2004/05.

He was fully fit for the start of last season but spent much of that one on the sidelines as well. This was due mainly in part to the excellent performances of the guys in the side.

His patience was rewarded with six appearances at the end of the season thanks to injuries and suspensions to Paul Quinn. His perfromances proved to Manager Mark McGhee that he was worth a place in the squad and he had forced himself back in teh reckoning for a starting slot this season.

This latest injury leaves Mark McGhee with a bit of a problem with only four experienced left on the books. Hopefully he can come up with a deal to secure John Kennedy on loan from Celtic.