RADCLIFFE Boro keeper Danny Hurst received an early Christmas present when he found out that his injury isn't as bad as first feared.

A training ground injury looked to have sidelined the 6ft 4in stopper for the considerable future but the doctors now say he could be back in action within four weeks.

Hurst said: "Thankfully, the injury isn't as bad as we thought. I thought I'd broke my wrist again, like in pre-season but it turns out that it's just a bone in my thumb.

"It is still swollen and the doctors are saying I should keep it in a cast for two weeks and then rest it for another two weeks to make sure it's healed. I have to be careful with being a goalkeeper."

Boro manager Kevin Glendon has been singling out Hurst for praise ever since he returned to the side after his pre-season injury and even went so far as to say that Hurst was one of the main catalysts for an upturn in playing fortunes.

The injury is doubly frustrating for Hurst, who is the envy of many higher division clubs.

The giant glovesman said: "I have been really pleased with my form in recent weeks and the team have returned some decent results - bar the Farsley result.

"We have looked more solid and been scoring a few more goals. I really think we shouldn't be beaten by anyone and can mount a challenge for the play-offs if our form remains.

"It was also disappointing to get injured just as Stephen Hill returned to the side. Everyone knows that Hilly is a superb player and we have missed him.

"I just have to get myself fit and return after Christmas."

And, Hurst will be cheering on the lads from the sidelines over the hectic festive period.

The 24-year-old said: "It'll be strange not playing over Christmas because everything you plan is geared around the games you have.

"I'll be cheering on the lads on Boxing Day and spending some time with my family."

Manager Glendon is equally as disappointed as Hurst to lose the services of a player he rates as the best keeper in the UniBond League and said: "Losing Danny again is a major blow and these are the sort of things that have prevented us from finding some consistency."