Kevin Nolan "devastated" for injured Notts County captain Michael O'Connor

Kevin Nolan has expressed his sympathy for Michael O'Connor as the Notts County skipper faces nine months out through injury.

The Magpies midfielder suffered cruciate ligament damage in the 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth on Easter Monday and was carried off on a stretcher before half-time.

According to the Nottingham Post, O'Connor was sent to Derby for scans last week and they revealed a ruptured ligament that will require surgery once the swelling has subsided.

"I am devastated for Michael," Nolan told the newspaper. "He was an integral part of our team and he is our skipper.

"He still will be going forward and we will work our socks off to make sure he gets the best attention so we get him back as quickly as possible.

"We are not going to rush him. We will give him all the time so he can come back the same Michael O'Connor as before he got injured.

"I was little disappointed in the challenge which led to it. I know the lad isn't malicious but as a footballer you know it's not a good tackle.

"He's been brilliant since I came in and hopefully now he can just concentrate on getting himself back to full fitness and return to the top-notch player he is."

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