CARLISLE boss Greg Abbott paid tribute to the many fans who have taken the time to send “get well soon” messages to stricken striker Rory Loy.
The Brunton Park man was rushed to hospital with a broken leg during Boxing’s Day’s three-all draw at Preston after a challenge by North End’s David Gray.
Loy was operated on successfully, and Abbott – unsure when Rory will return to action – thanked the fans who inundated the club with messages of support.
Abbott said: “His operation was a success. He’s still in hospital so we have to wait until our medical people can get a look at him before we talk about time frames and what exactly has been done.
“He is in very good spirits, even though I’m sure it’s all very frustrating for him. He’s had some fantastic support from the staff, the players and the fans and after all of those initial negative thoughts that go with an injury like this, he is now feeling much more positive.
“The messages he has been getting from the fans have given him a huge boost. He was on a high because he had found a role and a position in the team, and he was doing very well.
“He had improved and knows now that he can play at this level, but that progress has been halted due to this injury. But, with the good wishes and the support he has had he also knows how highly thought of he is – that will help him.”
Carlisle face Lee Clark’s Huddersfield tonight and Abbott is frustrated that the injury situation at the club is going round in circles with one player making a recovery while another goes back into the treatment room.
With that in mind, the United boss (right) states he might have to delve into the transfer market to bolster his squad.
He added: “We seem to be in a situation where we have one player coming back and one picking up an injury.
“For the likes of Paddy Madden and Andy Welsh, and even Francois Zoko, they now know that there is a position and a role to be filled. None of them would have wished this on Rory in a million years, but they have to see it as an opportunity and to make sure they take the chance if it comes along.
“Andy Welsh knows we need him. He was on the training ground yesterday and today, doing some running work with the physio, so that is very encouraging.
“We obviously have to consider the January window as well. We need to report back to the board in terms of what we think we need to do to maintain the strength of the squad.
“If we need to do something, we will, and to be fair John Nixon has already mentioned that we may have to have a look at things. We are low on numbers, but with one or two back off the treatment table that should ease for us.”
