By Nicholas Rigg
October 2 2005

Owls striker Drew Talbot has been dealt a blow in his bid to return to first team action. The 19-year old has been ruled out for a further 6-8 weeks after suffering a relapse in his recovery. The ex-Barnsley trainee is hoping to be back in action by late November.

The injury crisis at Hillsborough continued yesterday as Drew Talbot was shockingly ruled out for a further 6-8 weeks.

The 19-year-old, who last kicked a ball in the play-off final victory in which he scored the final goal, was due to return to action within the next few weeks, but a scan revealed a set-back in his recovery which will see him on the sidelines for a further 6-8 weeks.

Drew suffered a stress fracture in his back in the summer and had just stepped up his recovery process after returning to training. Over the weekend, a scan revealed that the fracture had not properly healed and he must endure a further 6-8 weeks on the sidelines.

Boss Paul Sturrock said: ''It's shocking. I'm gutted for the boy and for everyone at the football club.''

The set back means Sturrock is even more desperate to sign two strikers as soon as possible. Lee Peacock and David Graham remain the clubs only experienced strikers, with youngster Barry Corr as back-up.