STAR striker Ricardo Fuller will miss the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

The injury was discovered after exploratory surgery on his knee following a knock he received in the match against Coventry last weekend.

He was expected to be missing for a couple of weeks at most and the shock news is a massive blow to Craig Brown's hopes of sustaining a promotion bid.

Fuller is North End's top scorer this season and has impressed several Premiership club managers with performances.

Even before the extent of the injury was known, however, Craig Brown repeatedly pointed out his team contains 11 players, with plenty of back-up if needed.

Brown said: "Richard Cresswell has been superb and David Healy is ready to step in up front and, hopefull,y he will take his chance.

"Pawel Abbott has also looked very good in the training this morning and also in matches when we play in the reserves including a great goal at Barnsley last week.

"We are encouraged by Pawel's big improvement this season. His spell at Bury was of great benefit, he is just about ready.

Craig Brown and his men must now put the Fuller news behind them and get ready for Saturday's visit from Wimbledon.

A club who have hit the headlines more for their fans' stay-away protest this year than anything else, the Dons have none the less comfortably climbed into 13th place.

They have the same number of points as North End - 28 - with Preston having the upper hand by one on goal difference.

North End's last two league games - the first two back-to-back league wins of the season - has done wonders for confidence among the fans, and now Brown is keep to maintain the momentum.

"I think it is a very important league game and gives a chance to get some momentum going in the league now.

"But I think we have got to be on our mettle for Saturday. Wimbledon are a much improved side with a lot of pace in it I would say the main priority is the league this season."