Dundalk defender Brian Gartland faces the possibility that his season is over - after the result of a scan on his injured knee confirmed a tear to his cruciate ligament.
The experienced centre-half crumpled to the Tallaght Stadium turf as he turned to give chase just two minutes into the Lilywhites' 2-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers last Friday night.
Gartland, who was making his first appearance of the campaign, was treated on the pitch for several minutes before being stretchered off.
The result of his scan, which took place over the weekend, confirmed the worst-case-scenario for the 34-year-old, who was starting his eighth full season with the Oriel Park side.
The Dubliner is now awaiting a date for surgery on his injured knee.
It's a huge blow for the Lilywhites, who are also missing suspended Faroe Islands defender Sonni Nattestad for Friday night's visit of Bohemians.
