Goalkeeping crisis for United as Addis ruled out for season

Ballymena goalkeeper Stuart Addis receives treatment to his injured finger during the Boxing Day game at Coleraine. Picture: Press Eye.

The veteran stopper sustained a fractured finger in the early stages of the Boxing Day win at Coleraine but bravely played the remainder of the game.

However, Times Sport understands that Addis saw a consultant this morning (Friday) and was informed that the injury will require surgery which will keep him out of action for the remainder of the campaign.

The situation has been compounded by the fact that regular keeper Dwayne Nelson is out of action for at least six weeks.

Nelson - who attended the Coleraine game on crutches - sustained a chipped bone in his knee in the weekend win over Crusaders and will have a scan next Monday amid fears of possible ligament damage.

Speaking after the Coleraine game, Ferguson said of Addis’ injury: “His finger was dislocated - they were able to pop it back in at half-time.

“Everything he had to do, he was excellent - he made a couple of good saves and came and punched and caught high balls but he was in absolute agony.

“Dwayne’s injury is very concerning - he goes for an MRI scan on Monday.

“We will be happy if it’s only six weeks (out) so we’re going to have to look for a goalkeeper,” added Ferguson.

The manager at least has some breathing space with no Danske Bank Premiership matches scheduled on Saturday, with United’s next game away to Ards on New Year’s Day.