WELLINGTON are expected to be without midfielder Keiran Ireland for a lengthy spell following his serious injury in the FA Cup tie against Bideford at Willand over the weekend.

Ireland sustained a fractured tibia in the 28th minute of the tie, at first not realising the seriousness of the injury.

He joins new skipper Ryan Brereton on the sidelines. Brereton broke his ankle while playing against Helston in a league match the previous weekend.

“Ryan’s injury is not quite as bad as we first thought, and he’s not in plaster,” said Wellington’s assistant player-manager Jack Porter today (Tues).

“We hope it won’t be long before we see him again. However, the injury to Keiran is more serious."