SIMON Lappin has been ruled out for the rest of York City’s season with a ruptured Achilles.

The former Norwich midfielder will have an operation on Thursday and is facing up to six months on the sidelines after suffering the injury during Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Maidstone.

City boss Gary Mills admitted the news was a “massive blow” for the club and for 34-year-old Lappin, who he is backing to make a full recovery from the serious problem.

Mills said: “It’s a massive blow, because Lapps has been doing well in there and we’ll lose the quality he has got. These things happen and you have to overcome them, so it will be a chance for somebody else in the squad.

“It’s such a shame for him, because he was only talking the other day about how he’s never played at Wembley, so he was looking to do that this season too, but he’s fit enough and looks after himself, so I’m sure he’ll bounce back from it.”

City’s home reserve game against Grimsby Town, scheduled for tomorrow at 1pm, has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the club’s Wigginton Road training base.

A team of under-18 players were pencilled in to play, with out-of-favour senior trio Danny Galbraith, Ben Clappison and Ben Barber not considered for selection.