AN appeal has been launched to generate the finance that is needed for Altrincham women's player Mary Nutter to undergo surgery on a potentially career-changing injury.

Mary's season came to an abrupt halt in an FA Cup tie against Preston North End in October when she suffered an injury that has since been diagnosed as a snapped anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial colloidal ligament.

With surgery costs estimated at a minimum of £9,000, a fundraiser has been set up by Alty women's assistant-manager Duncan Jones, who said:

"Mary is no average player, and for me, this is very personal. I have coached her since she was nine, and she has progressed with me through the Altrincham juniors, where we consistently won every trophy that you can win.

"She was our captain all through the juniors, and, this year, she moved straight in to the women's first team at the age of 16.

"Due to the backlog, the NHS projected date for her surgery is over a year away. This leaves no alternative but to pursue getting the operation done privately.

"The estimated costs will be between £9,000-£10,000 (depending on the extent of the MCL tear). Please help me crowdfund this procedure - make a difference and help Mary get back on the pitch."