STEVE ROBINSON is facing two months on the sidelines after x-rays revealed two cracks in his left leg.

The 29-year-old has a damaged fibula and it is likely to be a minimum of six weeks before he can contemplate a return to serious training.

Robinson was given the bad news at the Ridgeway Hospital in Wroughton yesterday afternoon and although he had felt sore in the last few days, the severity of the injury came as something of a shock.

The man known as 'Turbo' has been in pain since hobbling off the pitch just 13 minutes into Saturday's 2-2 draw at Blackpool.

He said: "I remember their lad came right through the back of me and it's been sore ever since.

"I was in pain over the rest of the weekend and I even joked to my girlfriend that I thought it was broken. Some joke it turned out to be."

Despite the pain and disappointment, the injury has not deprived Robinson of his sense of humour.

He joked: "It could be worse for the club. I could be Sammy Parkin."

Robinson has endured a frustrating spell in recent weeks.

He played at Notts County a fortnight ago despite suffering with flu and before this latest injury, was facing a two-match ban as a result of a verbal tirade against the referee who dismissed him in the dying stages of Town's defeat by Plymouth Argyle in December.

Robinson is one of several senior players whose contracts runs out in the summer and he is anxious not to be out of action for too long.

He admits the prospect of extending his stay in Wiltshire, whichever division Town find themselves in next season, is appealing.

However, contract talks are not immediately in the offing.

He said: "Nothing's really been said at this stage so we'll have to wait and see.

"For the most part, I've played when I've been fit and I'd like to think I've shown I can do a job. I'm enjoying my football and we've a good chance of achieving something this year."

As for the road back to full fitness, Town physio Dick Mackey said: "It's not a weight-bearing bone and it doesn't need to be encased in plaster. I've put a strapping on and you just have to let nature take its course."

Manager Andy King is all too aware that he doesn't have the largest squad in Division Two and it is an injury he could do without.

He said: "These are the things that test you as a manager.

"We will miss the energy he brings to the side.

"Hopefully I can work around it but what I can't afford is too many more situations like this."