Kyle Knoyle: Stockport County defender sidelined after suspected bleed on brain

Kyle Knoyle began his career at West Ham and has also had spells at Swindon Town and Cambridge United

Stockport County defender Kyle Knoyle is facing a lengthy spell out after a scan suggests he suffered a bleed on the brain following a clash of heads.

The 27-year-old was injured in the 2-0 defeat by Mansfield on New Year's Day.

And the extent of the damage was confirmed by boss Dave Challinor following their 3-1 victory over Walsall on Saturday.

"Really bad news. He'll see a neurosurgeon at the end of January," Challinor told the club website.

"It's going to be months rather than weeks."

"Will we see him again this season? I would be uncertain around that, but we're in the hands of experts."

Knoyle had to go off in the second half of the Mansfield game following a collison with team-mate Ibou Touray, which resulted in 12 minutes of added time being played.

He joined League Two Stockport from Doncaster Rovers in January last year and has made 23 appearances this season.

"He's fine within himself, he's around the training ground, he can go on the bike," said Challinor.

"Hopefully we get to a point in a few weeks' time where he's able to run, can join in training, but what he can't be doing is clashing heads or heading the ball and that's a fundamental part of what football is."