Former Carlisle United striker Gary Madine is unlikely to play again this year after suffering serious injury.

The Blackpool forward has damaged his anterior cruciate knee ligament.

It will mean a lay-off of about five months for the experienced Championship frontman.

Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy confirmed the news yesterday.

Speaking to club media and the BBC, he said: "Sadly for Gary he's done his ACL, so it seems strange saying it in March, but it will be next year when he's ready to play.

"It's really tough on him. He's not had many injuries in his career but to get that one when you get to 32 is a bad one to take.

"He'll be due surgery, after a couple of weeks when it's all settled down.

"Very sad for him. They come back much quicker now, the surgeons are fantastic and the rehab's really good, so let's hope he's as quick as he possibly can be.

"He is bitterly disappointed and was from the start, because this was always the worry. It seemed innocuous at the time."

Madine has made 27 appearances and scored four goals for the Tangerines this season.

he has been with Blackpool since January 2020, the latest stage in a career which started at Carlisle.

Madine made 85 appearances and scored 22 goals for the Blues, and a later loan spell back at Brunton Park brought five appearances and two goals.

He has also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry City, Rochdale, Chesterfield, Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City and Sheffield United.