GRAVESEND & Northfleet midfielder Steve McKimm has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and could be out for the rest of the season.

McKimm has been put on a series of tablets, which the player and the club hope will improve his condition in the next few weeks, although boss Andy Ford says it could be a long process.

He said: “Steve will need tablets for six months. If, after one month, he has made sufficient progress he could be allowed to come back to the club and do light training.

“Then, if after another month, he is getting a lot better he could be ready to play for us. But this is the best case scenario.

“It makes our team selection a little more difficult but we’re more concerned about Steve. His health is more important than football.

“His attitude has been very good and he wants to do a bit of scouting for us while he's not playing, which is great.”