Bart out for season

Saints 18-year-old stopper Bartosz Bialkowski has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The young Pole has been exceptional since joining Saints in January. He sustained medial ligament damage when he fell awkwardly in the FA Cup defeat against Newcastle.

After seeing a specialist yesterday it was decided Bartosz would need surgery which will keep him out for the rest of the campaign.

Luckily we do have a quality back up in Paul Smith and he’ll now get his chance in the first team. Currently Smith is out of training with a sore elbow but should be able to return to action against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

George Burley is aiming to bring in an experienced keeper on loan as cover for Smith as reserve stopper Michael Poke is also injured.