JON Walters has returned to Burnley from his loan spell with Ipswich Town after being ruled out for six months with an achilles injury.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Tractor Boys on loan at the end of August but he limped off just minutes after entering the fray as a half-time substitute against Bolton at Portman Road on Saturday.

Walters had a scan at the weekend and then saw a specialist in London today, with the news that he has a partial rupture of his achilles.

No surgery is needed but he is expected to be out of action for six months.

Walters, who turned 35 last week, has now returned to Burnley to do his rehabilitation.

“I’m obviously gutted with the news,” he said. “That’s football though. That’s life I suppose as well and while I’m really disappointed, there are a lot of people worse off than me.

“I’ll work hard and get back to fitness as soon as I can. I’ve enjoyed being back here and I want to wish the Club all the best for the rest of the season.”