BURNLEY have been dealt a huge blow in their battle for Premier League survival after midfielder Dean Marney was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The 31-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, went off with a knee injury at half-time in the 2-2 draw with West Brom on Sunday.

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Scans have revealed that he has suffered a cruciate ligament injury and will see a specialist this week.

It is the third such injury picked up by a Burnley player in 11 months, following Sam Vokes and Kevin Long.

The injury comes a week after the Clarets failed to strengthen in central midfield in the transfer window, with late bids for Stuart Armstrong, Graham Dorrans and Henri Lansbury all rejected.

Scott Arfield could now move infield to replace Marney, with Michael Kightly or Ross Wallace playing in his wide role, while Steven Reid is also an option to fill in centrally.