Knee injury ends season for Reid

Blackburn's injury-plagued midfielder Steven Reid will miss the rest of the season with a knee problem.

The Republic of Ireland international requires surgery and is expected to be out for six or seven months.

Rovers manager Paul Ince told BBC Radio Lancashire: "The doctor has tried everything to get it right.

"It's a massive blow because he's an integral part of my side. He's got great experience and I was looking to play him at the weekend."

Reid, 27, has missed Blackburn's last four games and was forced to sit out his country's victorious World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on Wednesday.

He missed the 2006-07 season with a stress fracture of the back and then a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Ince said: "I'm gutted for Reidy. He is a great lad and he always wants to give his all for the club.

"He's disappointed, we're all disappointed but hopefully he'll get the operation done and come back with flying colours," he added

Reid will fly to Colorado, USA, early next month to have the extent of the injury assessed by surgeon Dr Richard Steadman.

With David Dunn sidelined for up to four months with an Achilles injury, Rovers manager Paul Ince's central midfield options are limited for Saturday's Premier League trip to Bolton.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Steven Reid's knee injury

Roque Santa Cruz is also doubtful with a hamstring injury but Benni McCarthy, Vince Grella and goalkeeper Paul Robinson are all fit.