Jai to undergo surgery in January

Striker Jai Quitongo has received the results of his scan and will require surgery in early January after he was diagnosed with damage to his lateral meniscus .

The Scotland Under-21 cap suffered the knee injury during the 2-1 loss to Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park on 10 December following in an accidental collision with goalkeeper Sean Murdoch.

Manager Jim Duffy is not sure how long teenage hitman Quitongo will be sidelined as he recovers from the operation but expects him to be missing for a ‘significant number of weeks’.

Speaking exclusively to gmfc.net tonight, the Ton boss said: “The results of the scan have shown that there’s damage to Jai’s lateral meniscus, which is basically the cartilage in his knee, and he will require surgery. That will hopefully commence in the first week of January.

“Severity-wise, they probably won’t know until they open him up and have a look to discover the full extent of the damage, but he will be missing for a significant number of weeks.

“We are absolutely gutted for Jai because he’s been terrific and very instrumental in our positive start to the season, and there were a number of English clubs monitoring his progress.

“It’s been a blow for the boy personally. He has obviously loving being involved in the first-team and he’s been an important player for us.

“For him now, it’s about getting the surgery then through the rehabilitation process without rushing – and hopefully he’s back stronger and fitter than ever.”

Image: David Bell