Stan Mills: Oxford United midfielder ruled out for rest of season

Stan Mills was taken to hospital after being stretchered off

Oxford United winger Stan Mills is out for the season with a knee injury.

The 20-year-old, on a season-long loan from Everton, was stretchered off during Saturday's FA Cup third-round defeat at Coventry.

"It was a horrible moment. He has had a great first half of the season and is very popular with fans and players," head coach Des Buckingham said.

Mills added: "It's not how I wanted things to end because I have loved my time at Oxford."

Mills, son of former England international Danny, is set for scans later this week after being released from hospital in Coventry on Sunday following an overnight stay.

"He went to shoot and twisted in doing so, and he was clearly in distress immediately," Buckingham told the club website.

"We want to thank Coventry and their medical team, who were extremely professional, and everyone at the hospital in Coventry for the way they looked after Stan and his family.

"Realistically he will miss the rest of the season and then have a summer of hard work to get back playing again. He is a strong character, has good people around him, and we will talk to Everton where we know they also think the world of him - between us we will look after him while he completes his recovery."

Mills added: "Oxford is a great club and I'm sad not to be able to play a part in what I'm sure will be a great second half of the season. I want to thank everyone at the club but especially Amy and the medical team on Saturday who were fantastic. I'll miss the fans, who were amazing, and will try to get back for a game this season to say thank you properly."