Gillingham midfielder Mark Byrne looks set to miss the rest of the season through injury.

Byrne went off with a knee problem on Saturday in the 1-0 victory over Sunderland and scans show he has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage.

The Irishman, who has become a regular starter under Steve Evans, is set to see a consultant later this week but the manager has accepted that Byrne is unlikely to be playing again this season,

Evans, speaking on Tuesday morning, said: “It’s not good, he has torn an ACL and he will be out for the season I think. That’s the general prognosis from the medical staff.

“He will see the consultant and you never know, but the staff here are experienced and have come to the conclusion that he will probably be out for the season, which is a blow to us, because he was doing really well for us.

“He gives you everything and he has been almost an ever present since I have come in.”

Byrne wrote to fans on social media, after the news of his injury broke, expressing his devastation.

He said: "My scan has shown that I have done my ACL. I am absolutely devastated.

"I am a positive person and I know I will get through this. I've got a long hard road ahead but I am ready to take it on.

"It's a setback in my journey but I will come back stronger. I will be supporting the boys, let's hope we can continue the good form and have a good season."

Byrne has played 23 games this season and recently went past the 150-mark for the Gills. He’s been at the club since June 2016, joining under Justin Edinburgh.

He’s managed to continue playing regular football under Ady Pennock, Steve Lovell and Evans, but now faces several months out. An operation could take place as early as next week.