Ross Barrows is facing a lengthy lay-off after suffering a serious ankle injury on Wednesday.

The 25-year old right-back, a popular figure on and off the pitch after joining from King’s Lynn Town in the summer, sustained a broken ankle in the mishap.

The injury is currently being assessed, but it seems likely he will need surgery to repair the damage and enable him to begin the road back to fitness.

It’s an extremely unfortunate setback for Ross, who had shrugged off an earlier minor injury and was settling in well with his tenacious defending and aptitude for getting forward and lending support to Alty attacks.

There is no timescale for his recovery programme at present, but it is clear he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

As might be expected, given the club’s renown for looking after our players, everyone at Alty will rally round and ensure Ross has all the support he needs as he battles his way back to full fitness.

You’re in good hands, Ross - all the very best for a speedy recovery.