Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot will miss the start of the new season after being told he will be out of action for up to five months.

The 24-year-old has had an operation to shave away part of a bone and have three screws inserted in his foot, after a visit to a specialist in London revealed his injury was worse than first feared.

The news comes as a blow for both Rangers and Scotland, with Broadfoot also set to sit out crucial 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifiers for the national team.

It's a real blow. I will miss some big domestic and Champions League games, as well as Scotland's World Cup qualifiers.
Rangers and Scotland defender Kirk Broadfoot

He told the Scottish Daily Express: "I have been told I will need to spend the next three months in plaster, then it will be another couple of months after that before I will be back training with the lads.

"It's a real blow. It was bad enough missing the climax to the title race but now I will be out for the start of next season.

"I will miss some big domestic and Champions League games, as well as Scotland's World Cup qualifiers. It's a setback but they say these things make you stronger."


Predictor
Aston Villa-Newcastle United, Bayern Munich-Stuttgart and Palmeiras-Sao Paulo are among the matches on the FIFA World Leagues Predictor's Round 36 menu. If you haven't already, be sure to sign up and take a shot at winning this weekend's prize.