Liam O’Brien will be out for between six to eight weeks after suffering a groin injury whilst on loan with Hastings United.

The freak injury occurred just six minutes into Hastings clash with Wealdstone when O’Brien took a routine goal kick.

The keeper revealed that as soon as he made contact with the ball he knew he had a problem, as did manager Sean Ray who had opted to not select a substitute goalkeeper. 

“I kicked the ball felt it go, I not only felt it but heard it rip, I did not know whether to move or not but the ball came back in and I caught it but as soon as I landed I signaled to the bench.

“It was even worse because we did not have a reserve keeper on the bench and central-midfielder Tom Vickers had to go between the sticks.”

The 21-year-old was unable to hide his disappointment following the cruel setback but stated that he will come back stronger than ever. 

“I am absolutely gutted because I was I believe I was playing well and I was enjoying my time at the club.

“I will now miss the majority of the season, well what is left of it, but I am determined to come back stronger than ever.”

Despite a premature end to his spell with the Arrows O’Brien had a loan to remember which included two penalty stops, one of which came against Championship side Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.

“I had a great start to my Hastings’ career because I saved a penalty in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough and despite losing the game it was a great day for the club.

“I also saved another penalty against Wealdstone and out of the three I faced I let just one in, like I said I was playing well so it is bitterly disappointing to be injured.”