It’s a crushing blow for one former Sheffield Wednesday youngster.Former Sheffield Wednesday youngster Liam Shaw is set for a lengthy spell out after suffering a season-ending injury, Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan has confirmed.
Shaw only joined Northampton in January, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract at Sixfields Stadium after his Fleetwood Town release clause was triggered. The 23-year-old had made a positive early impression at his new League One home, scoring twice in eight appearances from central midfield.
But the former Owls prospect was forced off with what looked to be a serious issue during Northampton’s Tuesday evening 2-1 defeat at home to Barnsley. And speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Exeter City, head coach Nolan has confirmed the worst possible news with Shaw suffering an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee.
“Unfortunately it’s bad news with Liam and we won’t see him for the rest of the season,” Nolan told the Northampton Chronicle & Echo. “That’s why it was important we brought in Ben Perry on the last day of the window because he can come in now and step up.
“But Liam’s done his cruciate and we’ll be without him for a while. It is what it is. We’ll give him the support he needs and we’ll move forward but it’s really unfortunate for the lad because he’s been fantastic and he’s a big player for us. We won’t see him for the rest of the season so it’s a real opportunity for other players to step up and stake their claim.”
The season-ending injury is a hammer blow for Shaw, who looked comfortable in making the step up from League Two Fleetwood to Northampton in League One. The midfielder had been playing through a manageable hip problem but now faces a lengthy spell out, halting his development in the cruellest fashion.
