Anthony Gardner is expected to be out of action for between five and six weeks with ankle ligament damage.

The defender sustained the injury in the defeat against West Ham a fortnight ago and although it's a blow to lose his services, Phil Brown hopes Gardner can still play a part this season.

"There was no damage to the bone," said Brown.

"It's ligament trouble, so that will probably be five to six weeks (on the sidelines) and then we'll assess things.

"Who knows? Anthony could still have a big part to play in the end of season games, looking namely at the likes of Sunderland, Wigan and Liverpool."