Town boss Lee Clark has today revealed that versatile youngster Tom Clarke is set for a three month spell on the sidelines.

The unfortunate 21-year old has undergone a knee operation at the Yorkshire Clinic earlier today after scans revealed that he had torn meniscus cartilage that needed repairing.

Manager Clark has told htafc.com that he is devastated for the player:

"Forget about his impact on the team for a minute - above everything else, I am gutted for Tom as a person. Ever since the first day that I walked through the door, his attitude has been absolutely top drawer and it's a cruel blow for him.

"When I talked to him about a new contract towards the end of last season, he wasn't in the team at the time but I told him and everyone else that once he broke into the side it would be very difficult to get the shirt off him and I have been proven correct.

"He has been absolutely magnificent for us this season - definitely the most consistent performer over the last three games - and his loss is a huge blow.

"We will do everything in our power to aid his speedy return to the team - he will get the best possible medical care. He is a diamond of a lad and just as his ability on the pitch will be a loss to the team his personality around the training ground will be a genuine loss to the squad."

Tom has been in terrific form since replacing the suspended Michael Collins in the side in early August, earning rave reviews from management and fans alike for his accomplished performances in central midfield.

The former England under-19 international has previously spent a year on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during an innocuous-looking fall against Carlisle United at the Galpharm Stadium in October 2005, but the new injury is not related to this previous problem.