LUCKLESS Callum Kearns has ruptured his cruciate ligament for the second time in less then two years.

The midfielder suffered the fresh injury blow during Bury’s first match of the new Ryman League Premier Division season against Carshalton.

The club last night announced that scans have revealed Kearns has once again ruptured his cruciate ligament.

In a statement on the club’s website, director of football Trevor Collins said: “This is a major blow for all concerned but obviously more so for Callum, who has worked tirelessly over the last few months to return from his original injury.

“Seeing Callum perform during pre-season was like witnessing a brand new signing and he will be sorely missed until his return.”

The midfielder helped Bury Town win promotion as champions of the then-Zamaretto League Midlands Division in 2009/10 and was arguably the club’s best player in the Premier Division before suffering the initial injury in October 2010 against Staines Town in the FA Cup.

Kearns, writing on Twitter on Monday, said: “To all asking and supporting me, I can now confirm the nightmare that I’ve ruptured my cruciate again!! A lot of thinking 2 do next few days!!”

The club have now pledged to do everything they can to help Kearns on his road to recovery.

Collins added: “Bury Town will offer him the best support possible and will help him wherever we can to deal with the emotional battle as well as the physical one.

“Callum is young and fit enough to return for the Blues and I am sure he will be boosted by the wonderful support he has received so far and will continue to receive from everyone connected to the club.”

– Read our interview with Kearns about recovering from his first serious injury by clicking on the link at the top-right side of this page.

– For more on this story, see tomorrow’s EADT