Striker Luke Varney is expected to be out of action for a minimum of six months having successfully undergone surgery on his ruptured achilles yesterday.

Varney, who is on loan with the Blues from Blackburn until the end of the season, was stretchered off in the 31st minute of Saturday’s 1-1 Championship play-off semi-final first leg draw with Norwich City.

The 32-year-old spent the weekend at an Ipswich hospital before he was transferred to London for yesterday's surgery.

“Luke had the operation yesterday afternoon and it went fine,” Town physio Matt Byard told the club site.

“He has ruptured his achilles and with an injury like that, you are looking at a minimum of six months' recovery time.”

Speaking immediately after the game manager Mick McCarthy said: “It’s a big blow for him and I haven’t got a player for next week and maybe for Wembley, who knows.

“It’s such a big blow for him. I’m so disappointed for him. You see any player do that, but a lad like him, it’s really disappointing.”

He added: “He’s been wonderful, he’s been a breath of fresh air coming in. He, like all the loanees, has really contributed. He’s just such a great guy, we’ll have to look after him and make sure he’s OK.”

Fellow ex-Leeds man Noel Hunt was one of a number of Town players to visit Varney in hospital on Sunday, the Irishman spending three hours with his team-mate.

Varney, who is out of contract at Ewood Park in the summer, joined the Blues in February and has made six starts and five sub appearances, scoring once.

Photo: Action Images

bongoblue91 added 11:21 - May 12 Get well soon mate, you're a town hero in my eyes!
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ruds added 11:34 - May 12 You would hope that there's some type of insurance policy at Blackburn to ensure Reg receives some type of reduced salary payment - whilst out on loan? It's not quire like renting a Digger from the local hire place however just hope he's not left short!
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jert16 added 11:38 - May 12 Good news that it was successful now hoping his recovery goes well.. I hope we look after him and give him every chance as I feel he is a very good option for us, fantastic in the air and above all a proper team player and top man.
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iaintaylorx added 12:14 - May 12 i'll be honest, i wasn't overly impressed when he joined from blackburn, because I thought we needed young energetic players, however after the games he has played he'll be a big loss! has a bit of pace about him, and never gives up! hope anderson keeps his spot now, as i thought he was outstanding! best of luck luke!
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truckertractorboy added 12:16 - May 12 Such a pity he did breath fresh life into the squad and he must have been a definite candidate for a contract next season as well . Well get hopefully he will heal ok and might be able to squeeze some more footy out of him
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fourpee added 12:21 - May 12 Was never a fan of Varney prior to his spell at Town. He has been immense though. I wish you a successful recovery sir! look forward to seeing you in a town shirt next year!
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Currie10 added 12:44 - May 12 Get well soon Luke " i'll be honest, i wasn't overly impressed when he joined from blackburn " Likewise. However, the blubbing by many on here was beyond belief. Same for Chaplow, same for N.Hunt. Mick doesn't sign players for a laugh! He does because he spots something in them. Look at the work that's happened with Murphy with Terry Connor. It really isn't football manager!

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Fatboy added 12:59 - May 12 @ruds Varney continues to be a Blackburn player up until the end of June, when his contract expires. His salary will have remained the same up until that point, regardless of whether he was out on loan or injured. As I understand it, a club is obliged to continue to provide medical care to a player if he is injured at the time his contract expires. Therefore the medics and physio at Blackburn will nurse him back to health for the predicted six months, but presumably he will not be paid from 1 July as he will not be contracted to a club. Unless someone signs him while he's injured, but that seems unlikely.

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Popeye added 13:01 - May 12 Before his injury, I think MM would have seriously considered giving him a one year contract at the the club but now i'm not so sure. He's 32 out for six months minimum and thats a long time at this stage of his career. He may never get back to how he is now and may not be able to play at championship level let alone premier league level anymore but as MM has said they will look after him until he is recovered but then I think he'll be more useful at league one level.

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hampstead_blue added 13:02 - May 12 Players are very well looked after with regard to insurance. A former budgie worked at the same company as me a few years back. His claim has very tidy indeed. Varney will be fine. No need to 'pass the tin'
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BackTheBlues added 16:15 - May 12 Phil - noticed the friends requested for a minutes applause article has disappeared from the main page. Due to family's request?
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jas0999 added 16:51 - May 12 I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
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londonben added 17:55 - May 12 Sign him up! But seriously, have been so impressed by everything about the guy. Work rate, ability, totally warranted his starting place and I hope he can get back to full fitness. Really hope we fully look after the guy, as I'm sure Mick will.
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Ipswichbusiness added 17:59 - May 12 Very, very unlucky. At the age of 32, out of contract in the summer and facing at least 6 months out of action, that could be curtains for his professional career. No amount of compensation will make up for it.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 20:24 - May 12 Agree with all the above. Can I add though that Noel Hunt has been an absolute gent at this club hasn't he? Supporting his mate as above and I loved the mad pictures of him at the children's hospital at christmas
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harlingblue added 01:58 - May 13 Luke, I wish you all the very best for a speedy recovery, you have been a great asset to our push for promotion.
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Warkys_Tash added 10:16 - May 13 Get well soon Luke, I hope we don't miss you Saturday if you know what I mean!
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Warkys_Tash added 10:18 - May 13 Strength, aerial ability, drive, determination, desire, passion.. And pure bullying power against opposition defences.. What a breath of fresh air he has been... It's cruel bad luck.
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stormypetrel added 23:19 - May 13 Hempstead blue...the man has potentially lost his career that he has truly worked from as a boy...whether you think he has given his all or not, to me is truly irrelevant...the man was doing his job ...six months time he may not do his job again....and some how you think that a ruck of insurance notes is going to make that better...you, my good man are ill informed by your mate...just to put it in perspective for you, a very close friend of mine had his leg and arse shredded by an IED in Afghan a while ago...he can walk now, he can do another job, and yes he got a payout and some pension....but he lost he career and his mind...for a while....so your bovine comments are ill judged...my sympathies and thoughts are with Reg...I hope he has the support to fight his way back...

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