Ayr United star Martyn Campbell faces three months on the sidelines

Oct 7 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

GUTTED Martyn Campbell has told of his shock when he woke up in hospital to be told he’s out for three months.

Ayr United’s longest serving player thought he was heading for a routine clean-up operation in his knee.

But he was left devastated when surgeons told him the full extent of his injury.

Campbell, 30, hasn’t played since the 4-0 defeat at Partick Thistle on September 17.

Now he’s been told he could be sidelined until Christmas.

Campbell’s absence could force boss Brian Reid into the transfer market as he looks for experience to bolster his young squad.

Martyn, who signed for Ayr six years ago, revealed: “When I went to hospital I thought I was going in for a simple clean-up. It was a bit of a shock when I woke up to be told my cartilage had been torn from the joint.

“The surgeons had to put it back into place and stitch the cartilage back together.

“I’m now in a full leg brace and can’t bend my knee. I’m off my work and am hobbling around on crutches.”

Campbell, who played a key role in Ayr’s hot start to the season, thought he would be out for two weeks at the most.

He added: “I’m gutted to say the least and hope I can get back ahead of schedule.

“The knee had been painful for a while but I was playing on. I never felt the injury happen so I don’t know what caused it.

“I go back to see the surgeons on Monday so until then I don’t know what therecovery process is.

“The team had been on a good run so I’m desperate to get back playing as soon as possible.”

Reid admitted the loss of Campbell on top of fellow absentee John Robertson (hamstring) was crucial as Ayr slumped4-0 at Ross County.

He said: “Of the 17 players who travelled, two had just turned 17. I always felt that if we lost two or three big players it could be a problem.

“To survive in this league you need strength in depth so I would like to bring in a couple to at least see us through to the January transfer window.”

An experienced free agent defender tops the wish list but Reid will also explore the loan route as he tries for fresh bodies.

lRiver Cottage fans’ bus for St Mirren on Tuesday, October 25, will leave at 6.15pm. Seats, price £7, from 287923.