Neil Lennon backing Max Clayton to bounce back

Whites boss praises forward following injury prognosis

Neil Lennon has backed Max Clayton to bounce back after the young forward was ruled out for six months having undergone surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee

The 20-year-old suffered the injury in Wanderers’ draw against Ipswich Town last weekend, having made nine appearances for the Whites since joining the club from Crewe Alexandra in September.

“Max had surgery on Tuesday,” Lennon said. “It’s a clean injury if you want to call it that. There are no complications with it and I think the surgery went pretty well. 

“He’s a fit lad so we’re looking at maybe six months which seems a lifetime away but hopefully for him it’ll go quickly and we’ll have him fit and well for the start of next season. 

“There’s no question it’s a blow to us because he was playing very well and it is a blow to the lad as well because he worked very hard to get to the form and position he was in. 

“We have been delighted with him. We’re really pleased and think he has a bright future in the game. 

“He’s a kid that works really hard at his game and we were all gutted for him. 

“It’s a test of his character now but I’m pretty sure that he will come back stronger than ever, and that come the start of next season we’ll have a fully fit Max Clayton again raring to go.” 

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