John-Joe O’Toole looks unlikely to play again until 2011 following the serious knee injury sustained midweek.
The tough-tackling Colchester United midfielder went down without contact against Charlton Athletic, at The Valley on Tuesday night. As soon as O’Toole fell to the ground in agony it was clear to many that a long layoff beckonend. It has been confirmed that a ruptured cruciate ligament is the problem, with an operation planned when the time is right.
O’Toole, 21, – who has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level – has been with the U’s since September; intially on loan before penning a permenant deal at the turn of the year.
Speaking to BBC Essex, U’s boss Aidy Boothroyd said: ‘He’s really disappointed, but it is part and parcel of football unfortunately, it’s a blow for him.
And the former Watford man looked optimistically towards a final promotion push in the final four games.
‘We’ve got to make sure when we does come back that we work as hard as we can to ensure he’s playing in a different division,’ he added.
O’Toole will be a big miss for the U’s, with his hard-battling attitude making him a huge favourite with the WHCS faithful.
Vital Colchester would like to wish John-Joe the best of luck in his recovery and rehabilitation.
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Echo what the article says – all the best, JJ! Get well soon, lad. We need out battering ram… 😉