John Fleck: Blackburn midfielder to miss rest of season with shin injury

John Fleck's debut for Blackburn lasted 15 minutes after a shin injury scuttled his season

Blackburn's January signing John Fleck will miss the rest of the Championship season after injuring his shin in February's derby against Preston.

The 32-year-old had joined on a free from Sheffield United until the end of the season but the injury has prematurely ended his involvement.

Midfielder Fleck will undergo an operation to correct the issue.

"To lose him for the rest of the season is going to be a real shame," boss John Eustace told the club website.

"The first 15 minutes against Preston, I think his experience was there for all to see and I thought the way we started the game with him in there was exceptional.

"He's going to be a big loss because him and Kyle [McFadzean] have come in to help us. I spoke to Flecky and he can't wait to get around the lads and help off the pitch."

Fleck joined Rovers from Sheffield United where he had twice helped take the Blades into the Premier League after spells at Rangers, Blackpool and Coventry.