King’s Lynn Town midfielder Conor Marshall ruled out for the rest of the campaign

King's Lynn Town have been rocked by the news that Conor Marshall's season is over.

Boss Gary Setchell had thought his versatile midfielder was nearing a return to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. But his worst fears were realised when a scan confirmed Marshall will require major surgery to repair the damaged cruciate ligament in his knee.

Setchell told his club's website: 'Since Conor has been at the football club he has been first class and one of my most committed lads.

'He has had an awful six months recently with also losing his mother through illness and as a family football club we will be there to support Conor all the way until he is fit again to put on a Lynn shirt.'

The 23-year-old arrived at The Walks from Boston United, initially on loan, in March. He was one of the few bright lights in a rotten end to a campaign which almost saw the Linnets lose their place at Step Three of the non-league ladder.

Marshall's excellent form as a holding midfielder or full back continued after his move became permanent in the summer. Yet those impressive showings came to an end on October 10 when the former Grimsby Town youngster limped off in the early stages of an FA Cup defeat at Barwell.

The injury victim travelled with Lynn's squad for Saturday's 2-0 league defeat at Dorchester. However, plans to get him back onto the pitch will now have to be shelved until at least next term.