TALENTED footballer Luke Hardman faces a season on the bench following a vicious attack outside a Bury nightspot.

Luke, a mid-fielder for Ramsbottom United, had his jaw fractured in two places when he was punched in the face while waiting for a taxi.

The incident happened outside Siberia on The Rock in Bury during the early hours of Friday morning.

Luke, of Mayfair Avenue in Radcliffe was treated at the scene by Ramsbottom United's physiotherapist Kate Fitton, who was on The Rock at the time of the assault. He was then taken by ambulance to Bury General Hospital.

He was later transferred to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where surgeons wired up his jaw. The 19-year-old soccer player now faces a three-month liquid diet while his injuries heal.

Doctors say Luke, who was due to play in the reserve cup final against Maine Road FC onTuesday, will be out of action for the rest of the season. Dad David said: "Luke's the kind of lad that wouldn't say boo to a goose. He was due to start his new job as a lab technician on Monday. They said they would hold the position for him, but they won't be able to do that for three months."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault to contact them.

The attacker is described as white, between 18 and 19 years old, with a slim build. He was wearing blue jeans, a dark top and dark baseball cap. Anyone with information should contact Bury Crime Management Unit on 0161 856 8157, or Crimestoppers free and in confidence on 0800 555111.

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