Injury is set to end the loan spell of Arsenal centre half Alex Kirk at Ayr United.
The Gunners kid has been told by medics that he is unlikely to return in time for the Championship run-in at Somerset Park.
It follows an ankle ligament strain suffered in last week's 3-1 defeat at Dundee.
Kirk had initially hoped to be available for United's last couple of league fixtures, but a scan has revealed more damage than first feared.
He told the Ayrshire Post: "I'm gutted to be honest. This is never the way I'd want my time up here to end.
"I had hoped it was just a case of rolling my ankle at Dundee but it's looking like I'll be out for longer than we first thought.
"It's so frustrating because I wanted to be part of the promotion push and give it my all in these final few games.
"The one thing I know is the boys have the ability to go on and do the job. I'll be cheering them on from afar and have full confidence they can get it done."
The Emirates youth prospect has proved to be one of Ayr's standouts with his composed displays at the back winning rave reviews.
And he admits the hard knocks of the Scottish Championship are exactly what he's needed for his own career development.
He said: "All I've ever known is the Arsenal Academy having signed there when I was 11.
"So it was crucial for me to come up here and get an experience of proper men's football where every game and every result matters.
"I looked at this as a massive opportunity to develop not only as a player but as a person.
"It was the first time I'd been away from home and I remember sitting in my flat up here on my first night with my suitcase thinking...what do I do now?!
"But the club has been brilliant with me and has a proper family atmosphere to it. Everywhere you go from the shop to Lynne in the kitchen - everyone is so welcoming and it made it far easier for someone like me to settle."
While Kirk readily admits it was sink or swim for his domestic skills, his on the park ability also faced a similar stern test.
He smiled: "It's safe to say the style was nothing like I was used to in under-23 football down south, but again that was why I needed to come up here.
"You can choose to stay in a comfort zone against lads your own age or younger - or you can come and face a big challenge week after week and that's what I've done this season.
"The first time I properly got a shock was when we went to Morton early in the season and it was a completely different test to anything I'd faced in my career.
"But these are the reasons for coming to Ayr and I'd like to think I've got so much from it. The club is a fantastic place for players like myself to come and develop.
"I've learned so much from the likes of Sean (McGinty) and Frankie (Musonda) and I wouldn't change anything about the experience at all.
"It's been a great platform to come and progress both on and off the pitch and I'd say to any young player in my position that they should grab the chance with both hands if they get it."
A student of the game in every sense - Kirk was studying an online Business Management degree until recently - the 20-year-old has been hailed for his level headed presence beyond his years.
He said: "I think it's important to be that way. A lot of that comes from my family and the support I've had from my mum and dad has been vital through the years.
"Being at a club like Arsenal, you are obviously around a lot of big names but it's important as a young player that you don't let any of that distract you.
"The first day I walked into training I saw the likes of David Luiz and Mesut Ozil...guys I'd grown up watching on TV...but you quickly realise you are there to work hard and do your own job."
Kirk's progress through the Arsenal ranks has been rapid, earning him a spot on the first team's bench for the trip to West Ham last May.
Since then, Mikael Arteta's Gunners have swept all before them this season and currently sit on top of the English Premiership.
Kirk said: "The experience at West Ham was great and it's obviously something I want a lot more of in future.
"The aim is to go back down there and hopefully catch the attention of the manager. That would be the dream.
"I have another year left on my contract so we'll see what the future holds. It would be great to celebrate a double success for Arsenal and Ayr this season - that would be the icing on the cake."
