BURNLEY footballer Paul Smith suffered a freak accident last night which looks set to end his loan spell to Oldham Athletic.
After unloading his car at home in the Burnley area, Smith fell down an uncovered manhole in the dark and gashed his shin.
The injury required 12 stitches and is likely to keep the Clarets winger out of action for a couple of weeks.
Smith (pictured) helped Oldham to a 1-0 win over Swindon Town on Saturday but his month's loan expires after next weekend's fixtures and the injury looks certain to see him return to Turf Moor.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article