Coleraine's Akintunde to have surgery on ankle injury

Coleraine have confirmed that striker James Akintunde will undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle fracture-dislocation during Saturday's match against Glentoran. Akintunde required medical attention during the first minute of the game at the Oval after a collision in the Glentoran box. The 29-year-old joined Coleraine in January from Finnish side Haka and had previously played under Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins at Derry City.

"Following yesterday's match at The Oval where James Akintunde was stretched off early in the game, the club can now provide an update on James' condition," a statement on Coleraine's social media read. "On arrival at hospital, a full x-ray and further assessments were carried out where it was confirmed that James suffered an ankle fracture-dislocation. This is a very significant and serious injury which will carry a long recovery time.

James will now be transferred to Derry/Londonderry where he will undergo surgery in the coming days. " Akintunde has scored two goals since joining the club, who thanked the medical professionals, stewards, staff and fans for their support. "Our thanks go to all of the medical professionals, stewards and staff both at The Oval and at the hospital for their care and attention to James," the statement continued.

"The focus of everybody at the club is on giving James the support he needs during this very difficult time for him. "We would finally like to thank both sets of supporters for their support to James inside the stadium as he was taken from the field of play. "