September 27 2002

Matt Clarke

Matt Clarke will have to have an operation on his troublesome knee, which will put him out for the rest of the season.

Clarke suffered a knock when playing against Burnley last month and hasn't played since. Trevor Francis confirmed the bad news that he will miss the rest of the season.

Francis said he will have to try and get another keeper into the club before Sunday's match against Gillingham, as Kolinko aggravated a groin injury against Sheffield Wednesday.

Francis said: "Clarke is going to be out for the rest of the season.

"He has seen a specialist and we will now decide when and where he has his operation."