Lakeside Hammers have been hit with the news that Paul Hurry will miss their next three meetings after visiting the specialist who operated on his injured finger.

Hurry was hoping to return to action tomorrow in the home meeting against Peterborough Panthers, but must now wait a further two weeks for the all clear after his finger “popped out” of its socket under examination.

Lakeside team manager Jon Cook said: “Paul is obviously gutted about this and it’s a double whammy for him as he will now miss his World Longtrack qualifier.

“But we need him to be properly healed and avoid having to have the finger wired, which would mean a far longer lay off.

“We are fortunte that the injury occured when it did as we can use guests to replace him.

“But it’s better for the team, particularly at home, to have Paul back fit and well as soon as possible,” Cook added.

The Hammers will call upon Australian Kevin Doolan, who rides for King’s Lynn in the Premier League, to deputise for Hurry tomorrow.