Jimmy McNulty has confirmed that Brad Kelly will miss the remainder of the season due a knee injury.
The goalkeeper made his professional debut for Dale earlier this month in the FA Trophy against Gateshead but picked up an injury in that game, which has now ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.
“He needs surgery. And it’s going to be lengthy. It’s a shame for him. I feel so sorry for him," said McNulty.
"He’s taken a new stride this year, making his professional debut. I think he feels closer to the team and the group more than he’s ever felt.
“He picked up an injury in the game that he played against Gateshead, really early in the game.
"Brad being Brad, he’s brave as hell. He kept it quiet, and he wanted to fight through it.
"He tried to train the next day, and he was in a difficult situation.
"When we went to see the surgeon, he said that he will need to operate on that.
"Brad’s going to be out for the rest of the season. We don’t know how long in total because the surgeon will not know until he’s inside Brad’s knee.
"It’s unfortunate for him. I’m sorry for him that that’s the case.
"We lose BK now. We’ll do our best to do everything we can to rehab him the best as possible."
Speedy recovery, BK!