THE Blues strikers' curse has hit again, with Adam Proudlock ruled out for the rest of the season following a knee operation.The luckless forward, who has been suffering from tendonitis around the knee, went into hospital yesterday and the surgeon decided remedial work was needed to try to alleviate the problem.

THE Blues strikers' curse has hit again, with Adam Proudlock ruled out for the rest of the season following a knee operation.

The luckless forward, who has been suffering from tendonitis around the knee, went into hospital yesterday and the surgeon decided remedial work was needed to try to alleviate the problem.

Proudlock will be out for at least six weeks and will then have to start an intensive summer training programme.

The former Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday striker joined after parting company with the Hillsborough club over disciplinary matters and originally joined the Blues on loan. In January he signed until the summer but no decision has yet been made on his Blues future.

Blues boss Joe Royle last night said: “Adam has not had the best of luck. He has had a persistent knee problem and when the surgeon had a look he decided it needed clearing out straight away so he will not play again this season.

“I feel for the lad. He came here full of hope but he has not been able to show what he can do.”

Nicky Forster is also out for the season after a knee operation, while Sam Parkin hopes to restart his recovery programme next week after an injection in an Achilles tendon.

Joint-leading scorer Parkin was progressing well after a broken ankle but suffered a setback recently although still hopes to be back in contention for a place before the season ends.

Royle is hoping Alan Lee comes through a full training session today so he can be considered for Saturday's Championship clash against Millwall.

Royle said: “Alan has been training well and will join in with the first-team today. With a hamstring it is about the reaction so we will see how he is after training before deciding about Friday and then Saturday.”

With Ricardo Fuller suspended for one match, Danny Haynes is expected to be involved, with Jimmy Juan and Fabian Wilnis both cleared to play at the weekend after recovering from injuries.

With the emergency loan window closing soon, Royle is not tempted to bring in a new player and has had no fresh enquiries about any of his players.

Kevin Horlock has a two-year-offer on the table from Doncaster Rovers but last night had not decided whether to return to the League One side where he has just enjoyed a month's loan, or take up another offer.

With midfielder Michael McIndoe last night joining Derby County from Rovers, manager Dave Penney is keen to keep Horlock, who has permission from Ipswich to stay with the Earth Stadium club for another month.