INJURED Town star Anthony Pilkington today sent out a “thank-you” message to his well-wishers.

And the 22-year-old winger, who has scored 14 goals this season, believes Town can win promotion to the Championship without him in the crucial run-in.

Pilkington scored in six consecutive games in October bringing Town’s promotion hopes closer.

But his scoring streak was cruelly halted when the Blackburn-born forward dislocated his ankle and shattered his fibula in a freak challenge during Town’s home game to Rochdale on March 8.

In his first full interview since the injury – his first serious injury of his career – Pilkington thanked Town fans for their thousands of get well messages.

Pilkington, who will be out of action for the rest of the season, is likely to get a hero’s welcome back at the Galpharm tomorrow.

He will be back on the pitch to announce the winners of the Town Golden Gamble at half-time in the key League I clash against Swindon.

The former Stockport County player said: “I just want to say thanks for all the messages and support you’ve all been giving me. It’s been brilliant.

“I’ll be there on Saturday so get down to the game and get behind the lads and let’s get promoted.”

Recounting the moment of the injury Pilkington said: “I went to block a cross and my legs got tangled in between the left-back’s.

“I think his body weight fell on me and my ankle got stuck underneath him.

“At first I didn’t really feel any pain, I just looked up at my leg and I saw my foot was pointing the wrong way.

“It was a shock more than anything. The lads came over and I just remember (Town captain) Peter Clarke talking to me and staying with me.

“He did really well.

“I heard a few of the lads were really upset and distraught. A few of them had tears in their eyes. It wasn’t nice obviously but you’ve got to look forward.”

Pilkington is being treated by specialist surgeon Ashok Paul, who has performed similar treatment on Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia and Newcastle’s Alan Smith.

Pilkington, who became a dad six months ago, said: “He’s supposed to be the top man. I was really lucky to get him to do the surgery on me so I’m really pleased with how it’s gone.

“Hopefully I can get this cast off next Monday and get an easier one so I can start exercising my ankle.

“I can’t put any weight on it for another six weeks or so. That’s the most annoying thing, being on the crutches.

“The only plus point is I get to spend more time with my family but I do miss playing football.”

And how does Pilkington feel about spending the next few months off the pitch?

He said: “You have to take it one step at a time. Right from the very start I knew it was going to be a long time.

“It’s actually not as long as I thought. I thought it was going to be a year so when they told me four to six months that was a big plus.”

But Pilkington believes Town can achieve promotion – even without him.

He said: “The club is doing really well and we’re looking to get promoted.

“I’m just disappointed I can’t help the lads across the finish line.”