Published: Wednesday, 18th August, 2010 5:00pm

Watson ruled out for rest of the season

ATHLONE Town go into this weekend's meeting with second-bottom Mervue Utd knowing striker Gordon Watson has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The rookie Athlone striker, who became a regular fixture in Brendan Place's side after signing from non-league Greystones, is due to have surgery this week after recently suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in training.

Watson has missed Athlone's last two games and is not likely to play again for at least six months, a club spokesperson confirmed this week.

The injury comes as a huge blow to 21-year-old Watson, who was beginning to find his feet at Airtricity League level after a difficult beginning to his Athlone career.

Watson had to wait until June to break his goalscoring duck for Athlone, and then hit three in two games, while it was also noted that his level of confidence and overall performances were on the rise.

Athlone shouldn't have too many difficulties finding a replacement for Watson however, with new signing Andy Haran (formerly of St Pat's) netting with his first ever touch for Athlone in last weekend's disappointing 1-1 draw at Salthill Devon.

Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien also made his long-awaited debut in Athlone colours last weekend, while Robbie Farrell also returned to the fray after a lengthy period out through injury,.b ut was replaced at the interval.

Athlone also welcomed back midfielder Gareth Kenna last weekend.

Kenna made a very positive impact in Athlone's midfield during the opening weeks of the season, but picked up a knee injury in the sixth game of the season against Monaghan Utd, and has been sidelined ever since.

However, Kenna played the whole of the second half last weekend, replacing Ryan McEvoy at the interval, and could be in contention for a starting place against Mervue Utd (Saturday, Lissywoollen, 7pm).

Athlone's need for a victory this weekend is massive, after the team's 1-1 draw with Salthill Devon stretched their winless streak to nine league games.

Athlone - with a paltry four wins to their name this season (from 23 games) - are only nine points ahead of second-bottom Salthill, but have found the going tough against minnows Mervue this season.

In the second game of the season, a Brian McCarthy header seperated the sides at Lissywoollen, while Mervue then reversed the 1-0 scoreline at Terryland Park in late May.

Des Hope looks ready to make a comeback to the squad this weekend, after missing the last couple of matches with a neck injury.

Top-scorer Austin Skelly will miss out though, as he serves the final game of a two-match suspension.

Meanwhile, Athlone Town have agreed to release midfielder David O'Riordan, who only joined the club in early June, with the attacking player rejoining Newbridge Town.

Former player Stephen Caffrey has joined his local club St Paul's of Artane.

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