Paul McCone out for rest of season

The 24-year-old had his worst fears confirmed yesterday when told he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee.

Centre-back McCone broke down on his first full training session on Tuesday after suffering medial ligament damage and a surgeon confirmed he has now damaged his ACL as well.

The Wolves academy graduate and former Northern Ireland youth international can't have surgery until next month as he has to strengthen his knee first. Then it will be a minimum of six months out.

"The first thing they said was 'this season is a write-off'," said McCone.

"They can't do anything yet.

"I've completely torn my ACL and my meniscus and if they operated now they said my knee might seize up.

"So I've got to strengthen it and then go back to see the surgeon on January 8.

"At the moment, I still can't bend or straighten my leg, but I was told I'd be amazed at how quickly I'll get the movement back by using ice and heat every day.

"As for the surgery, they have to take some ligament or tendon from the top of my knee and replace that as my new ACL.

"They said 90 per cent of it is in the rehabilitation – that will make it or break it."

McCone only came back in October after seven months out following surgery to repair two snapped tendons in his left ankle playing for Hednesford.

"The surgeon took one look at my notes and said 'you don't do thing by halves, do you?'" he said.

"But my aim is to get right to play football – I'm not getting right for the operation to not play again at the age of 24. What's six months out if I can play for another 10 years?"

Meanwhile, midfielder Eddie Toner has left the club. He played just one match after signing non-contract terms.