Stephen Mallon has vowed to come back stronger after revealing his season is over.
The Cliftonville midfielder was expected to return for Paddy McLaughlin's Reds for their massive title run-in this season.
But complications stemming from an older injury saw Mallon undergo surgery this week, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.
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The 23-year-old said on social media: "Unfortunately I suffered an 8cm tear to my quad which had kept me out for the last five months.
"Today I had it surgically repaired and everything went well. Due to the timing , sadly my season is over.
"I was hopeful for a return but it wasn't meant to be, I'll be rooting for the team from the stands.
"Back in red come August."
He added: "Massive thank you to the hospital, the staff, the club and of course my family and friends for the support."
Mallon made just three Premiership appearances this season, all coming back in August before the injury derailed his campaign.
Former Cliftonville star Barry Johnston says Mallon has been "so unfortunate", but believes the midfielder will be "like a new signing" for the Reds next season.
He told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast: "Stevie has been so unfortunate the last few seasons with injury, and he can't get a consecutive run of games.
"You can see he is clearly talented, and he is something different for Cliftonville who wanted a bit of pace in the team this year and he has that. He had a bad tear and now he has required surgery.
"It will be like a new signing for Cliftonville next season, and that's what he has to look at now. He is a good kid and I wish him all the best."
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