MICHAEL Coulson is happy to offer York City team-mate Josh Carson moral support during his fight back from cruciate ligament damage.

Ex-Scarborough and Grimsby forward Coulson has suffered the same injury three times in his career but is now playing some of the best football of his career at the age of 26.

He is, therefore, the ideal man to give guidance to Northern Ireland under-21 international Carson and top scorer Wes Fletcher, whose medial ligament injury will also keep him sidelined for the rest of the campaign.

Coulson also has full faith in the ability of Jeff Miller – the Minstermen’s physio for 27 years – to get both players back fully recovered and on schedule.

“It’s been a big disappointment to lose Josh and Wes,” Coulson said. “They are a massive part of the team so we have to see whether we can do it for them this season in a way.

“If they ever need anything, I am here but Jeff has dealt with a lot of injuries in his time and got every player back all right, so they are in good hands. I have spoken to Josh already and I know it’s the worst injury you can get.

“Six months is a long time. Unfortunately, it could not have come at a worse time for him but we are all supporting them both.”

Coulson added that the synthetic LARS ligament he had fitted during his last operation in 2012/13 has responded well to the rigours of regular first-team football since the turn of the year.

“Touch wood, I have not had an issue with it all season,” he reveaIed. “I worked hard with it coming back last year and have kept that up this year and I would recommend it to anyone.”