St Mirren’s Paul McGowan is set to miss three months after bring told he will need an operation on his shoulder.
The 24-year-old midfielder injured the shoulder in the club’s League Cup victory over Hamilton.
He underwent a scan after the game and then a second scan on Friday revealed the extent of the problem.
The injury will require an operation which would sideline McGowan until January.
Buddies boss Danny Lennon said the injury meant that some of his players would have to fill the void left by the creative McGowan but he insisted his side is far from a "one man band".
Lennon said: "Paul's been a big player for us this season. I'm actually looking forward to seeing how the rest of the squad copes without him.
"Paul is a match winner and he's the kind of guy who never gives up. He's going to be a big miss for the next three months."
"We're not a one man band and I want others to step up to the mark, such as Dougie Imrie, Gary Teale, Graham Carey and Kenny McLean.
McGowan made 45 appearances for Lennon’s men last season, scoring eight goals.
He moved to St Mirren Park from Celtic in 2011, following a successful loan spell with the team.
