The Fleetwood Town player stretchered off against Carlisle United has been ruled out with a long-term injury.

Ronan Coughlan has "snapped his achilles", says manager Pete Wild, and will be sidelined for up to nine months.

Coughlan went down hurt after he fired Fleetwood's equaliser in the 70th minute of their 2-1 defeat to Carlisle on Saturday.

After receiving treatment on the pitch he was taken off on a stretcher.

And Wild today confirmed the 28-year-old Irish player will be out until the autumn and is facing surgery.

"Sadly for Ronan he's snapped his achilles and it's going to be a long road back," Wild told the BBC.

"It could be anything up to nine months sadly.

Coughlan needs surgery and has been ruled out until the autumn (Image: PA)

"He's having surgery tonight. We need to support Ronan in and out of the building on his recovery.

"It's really sad news because he's been outstanding for the football club and our thoughts are with him."

Coughlan has scored ten goals in 27 games for 15th-placed Fleetwood this season.