ST ALBANS City have been struck by a double injury blow with Solomon Shields and James Quilter both set for a spell on the sidelines. Shields season is over after the former Leyton Orient trainee ruptured his Achilles, leaving him facing a long spell out

ST ALBANS City have been struck by a double injury blow with Solomon Shields and James Quilter both set for a spell on the sidelines.

Shields' season is over after the former Leyton Orient trainee ruptured his Achilles, leaving him facing a long spell out.

Shields had hoped to be back in three to four months but manager Steve Castle believes that six to nine months out is more realistic.

"He's ruptured his Achilles. He's been a little bit unprofessional, training away from the football club in a game which I wasn't best pleased about," Castle said.

"He wanted to try and keep himself as fit as possible, he's been absolutely outstanding for us over the last three or four games, and he's going to be a big miss. Sol will be out he's told me three to four months but I'll be amazed if he get backs in three to four months I'd say six to nine.

"Yet again, I wish him all the best and I'm sure the club do because he's been superb for us.

"It's one of them he's got to get himself right with the right surgeons and hopefully get his career back on track as soon as possible."

It was feared Quilter had broken his leg after a late challenge from Jules Emati-Emati during Tuesday's 2-1 win over Dorchester but the injury doesn't appear to be as bad as first feared.

The former Tottenham man has a nasty gash on his leg and swelling to his calf but it's hoped icing the injury will help reduce the swelling. Even so the versatile 26-year-old is likely to be out leaving Castle short of options in midfield.

Castle was far from happy with the challenge on Quilter saying: "That wasn't a nice challenge. The lad's just left his foot there, well more than left his foot there. I'm not advocating people getting sent off but that wasn't pretty.