Salford City manager Karl Robinson issued a concerning update on Salford Striker Jay Bird’s fitness following the team’s 1-0 victory over Greater Manchester rivals Oldham.
Bird, who joined the club for an undisclosed fee from League One Exeter in June, was forced off in a friendly match against Manchester City.
It has been revealed that Bird sustained an achilles injury in the first-half of the match that could see him ruled out for the rest of the season.
Robinson said this prompted the club to escalate talks with former Liverpool and Sunderland forward Fabio Borini, who had been training with The Ammies for more than a month.
Borini’s impressed in an 18-minute cameo against 10-man Oldham, where he was part of a free-flowing breakaway that saw Daniel Udoh miss a golden opportunity to kill the game in added time.
The Italian’s brief involvement came after Udoh had given Salford the lead when he reacted quickly to score a header after Kadeem Harris had struck the post from the penalty spot.
Udoh’s first-half goal proved decisive as the Ammies ended a three-game barren run and, while Robinson hailed his team’s determined home win, he was downbeat about Bird’s chances of featuring before the end of the campaign.
“Jay Bird picked up an injury against Manchester City behind closed doors and it looks like he could be out for the season,” he said.
“He impressed against Stockport (in the Vertu Trophy), so it is a real shame to lose him.
Bird has featured off the bench 8 times for Salford this season in League Two, but is yet to find the back of the net.
He scored from the penalty spot as the Ammies beat League One Stockport 3-1 to seal their progression from the Vertu Trophy group stage.
Robinson expressed regret that Bird’s goal against Stockport has not proved to be a springboard for the attacker’s campaign and highlighted that the club were committed to supporting his recovery.
Borini signed for Salford on the eve of the game and Robinson hailed his quick acclimatisation and stellar performance off the bench.
“Fabio was excellent when he came on. Just look at the teams he has played for: Sunderland, Liverpool, Milan and Roma. He has had a brilliant career.
“We are incredibly lucky to have him, not just on the football pitch, but bringing a wealth of experience to the club.”
Salford travel to fifth-place Gillingham on Saturday, looking to build on their derby day win, 3pm kick-off.
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