Ross County goalkeeper Scott Fox has been ruled out for a month but manager Owen Coyle fears the absence could be longer.
Fox suffered a quad (thigh) tear as he kicked the ball upfield towards the end of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at St Johnstone. Irishman Aaron McCarey came on to play the final 15 minutes and will once again deputise for tomorrow’s match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Coyle is reluctant to set a firm timescale for Fox’s recovery until the results of yesterday’s scan are known but says there is no chance the 30-year-old will return before the home match against Celtic on November 18.
Coyle said: “At the moment there are two scenarios – one that would be hugely disturbing in a time respect.
“The best scenario is we might have him back after the international break.
“There’s a lot of swelling, so it’s difficult to know what the damage is, but the scan will certainly reveal it.
“If it is a tear off the bone that’s a different thing – a long time. In the best case it might be three or four weeks. We maybe need to double the time and a bit more on top of that. I don’t think it is an operation as such but it is time healing.”
Coyle has been impressed with Fox since he took over at Victoria Park last month but the Staggies manager has urged Mc-Carey to make the most of his opportunity.
Coyle added: “It is one of those unfortunate things that happens in a game. Scott had a terrific save at the start of the second half. He’s a terrific goalkeeper.
“As it was, big Aaron has come in. He’s trained very well and has been champing at the bit for his chance.
“Unfortunately, it comes in those circumstances but he is more than ready. He looked very assured, confident and imposing and took the ball when he had to without having any real shots to deal with. They will all get their chance and they will all be needed.”