MATT Smith suffered the fourth serious knee ligament injury of his career during Cinderford' s 1-1 draw with Bridgwater Town.

It leaves the 24-year-old battling to save his career.

Cinderford Town boss Steve Peters called the injury 'horrendous' and said: "We're 99 per cent certain it's his cruciate and it's the fourth time he's done it - three times on one leg and once on the other.

"As a club we need to look after him because two of those injuries have come playing for us.

"He can't work so we've got to look after him."

Smith is due to see a specialist this week.

Peters added: "I was 24, the same age as him, when I had to give up the game.

"I hope that doesn't happen to him - he's a young man and football's his life, it's what he goes to work for, to play football at the weekend.

"It's devastating and I really feel for him."