Cowdenbeath midfielder could be out for the rest of the season

The left-sided midfielder was left with a double break of the ankle after a challenge from City’s Stephen Bronsky left the 24 year-old in agony.

It was immediately apparent that it was a serious injury and Clarke was stretchered off before being taken by ambulance to the Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.

Club secretary David Allan said: “It was deeply distressing for all the Cowdenbeath party who were present and due to the Covid situation we were unable to have anyone travel with Ross in the ambulance. The team coach then detoured via the hospital where the manager and the club were briefed on the position.”

He added: “Ross was kept in overnight and had a lengthy operation on Sunday morning to repair a dislocated ankle and also to have pins inserted due to his ankle being fractured.

“One of the Cowdenbeath directors, Craig Scott, looked in on him at the hospital. He wasn’t able to get in to see Ross but he was able to chat to him on the phone. Ross then had many other calls from his team mates, the coaching staff and directors.

“His family travelled up to take him home late on Sunday. We are sure all Cowden fans will join us in sending our very best wishes to Ross and his family from everyone at Central Park and wish him well in his recovery.”

The adaptable left sided player will now face a considerable spell on the sidelines adding to the Blue Brazil’s injury problems.

Blues’ boss Gary Bollan was shocked by the injury sustained by a player who had featured in every game this season: “It was a horrible injury and he has been one of our most consistent performers this season.”

Cowden’s bad luck on the injuries front was underlined the day before the Elgin trip when goalkeeper Ross Sinclair was a late call-off with a wrist injury and the Blue Brazil had to get former last line, Dave McGurn, on an emergency loan from Raith Rovers to fill the gap.

And the day didn’t get much better as they lost 5-2. Bollan said: “We knew that Elgin are really dangerous going forward but that is no excuse for some of the errors we made. We did cause them problems but losing five goals is simply not good enough.”

Next up is a visit from league leaders Queen’s Park and the return to full fitness of strikers Cian Kavanagh and Kris Renton will boost the Blues firepower. Bollan added: “I know we have the quality to win this game and that is the aim.”

Sinclair should be fit for this weekend and midfielder Robbie Buchanan is free from suspension. Jamie Pyper had to self isolate due to Covid but will be available.