ST MARTIN’S hopes of a first ‘Upton’ appearance in six seasons have taken a massive hit before a ball is even kicked.

Ben Coulter, their midfield enforcer and hottest young talent, is set to undergo knee surgery and miss most of the forthcoming season.

Coulter, 20 (pictured), missed Guernsey’s final two matches in Aland after his problem left knee collapsed on him in the dying moments of their group clash against Froya.

On his first full day back on the island, the midfielder painted a bleak picture of his immediate playing prospects.

‘It’s gone again and I’m going to have to get it sorted,’ said last season’s Division One player-of-the-year and players’ player runner-up.

‘I’m going to have an op and see Dr [Ranjan] Vhadra. It’s going to keep me out for six to nine months, that’s the normal time schedule.’

Coulter, who had been lined up to have a short spell with Hartlepool United in the coming season, is resigned to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

‘It wasn’t definitely confirmed, but obviously I won’t be going now. It’s really disappointing that I won’t be able to go now. I was looking forward to the experience.’