RICHARD Naylor will miss up to three months of the new season after needing surgery to cure a long-standing problem with a big toe.Initially diagnosed as deep bone bruising, specialists have now discovered the root cause of the injury that goes back to last February is a problem with a cartilage in the digit.

By Derek Davis

RICHARD Naylor will miss up to three months of the new season after needing surgery to cure a long-standing problem with a big toe.

Initially diagnosed as deep bone bruising, specialists have now discovered the root cause of the injury that goes back to last February is a problem with a cartilage in the digit.

Blues boss Jim Magilton will move to bring in another centre half as cover after losing the veteran defender.

Magilton said: “It is frustrating for him and us. At least they have found out what the problem is and they can sort that out.

“He needs an operation to remove a piece of cartilage in a big toe and he will be missing for up to 12 weeks.

“Bam Bam is an experienced player and a valuable member of our squad so we will miss him.”

Town are keen on Spanish defender Cesar Navas, but his foot injury means he will not be available for a month or more, while Magilton could move for former Blue's defender John McGreal, who is spending time at Colchester United at the moment.

If cover is not forthcoming Magilton could recall Ian Miller when his loan spell at Darlington runs out at the end of August.

Magilton said: “Ian is not ready to play Championship football at this stage. We needed to get him out on loan for him to get games so we don't hinder his progress. If things don't work out for us then we can bring him back after a month.”

A Gary Roberts goal gave Town a draw at Royal Antwerp last night with Magilton happy with his side's performance.

He said: “There was a real edge to the game and our lads stepped up to that and did very well.”