Tosh facing month out!

Aug 26 2005 By Mel Booth, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN have been rocked by news that Martin McIntosh will be out for a month.

The 34-year-old defender injured his left knee in the midweek Carling Cup win and was having a cartilage operation today.

It's a stunning blow just 24 hours ahead of a Galpharm clash with Hartlepool (3.00) which manager Peter Jackson rates as Town's biggest test of the season so far.

"This is not the news we wanted - a massive disappointment for Tosh and for us," said Jackson, who has Tom Clarke ready for a first start of the season and John McCombe on standby as back-up.

"Tosh has been doing excellently, but he just felt something `go' in his knee and, when he went to the specialist yesterday, it was confirmed some surgery was needed.

"He'll be out for three to four weeks, which is a real kick in the teeth, but there's now an opportunity for others to step up to the plate and show what they can do."

McIntosh could miss eight matches, including the second round of the Carling Cup for which the draw is made tomorrow (12.10pm).