Johnny Kenny's season is over for Bolton Wanderers after the 22-year-old sustained knee ligament damage in the 3-2 defeat against Luton Town. Bolton had initially hoped the injury would be short-term, but the club now accepts he will not be involved in the play-offs.

Steven Schumacher said the damage is season-ending for Bolton and added that the striker will see a specialist this week to find out whether he needs an operation or can continue with rehab. Kenny, on loan from Celtic, had scored six goals during a spell that had been gathering pace at just the right time for Bolton.

His absence leaves a real gap at the sharp end of the team’s play-off push. Kenny had recently been in electric form and built a promising partnership with Sam Dalby up front, giving Bolton a forward line that had started to look dangerous. Schumacher said the club have already dealt with injuries to Sam Dalby, Marcus Forss, Amario, Cordy Blackett-Taylor and two midfield players this season, but he made clear he expects another player to step forward now.

Bolton tried to keep the news of Kenny’s injury out of the public eye last week, but the outlook has now hardened. The immediate question is not whether he returns for the play-offs, because that is no longer possible, but whether the specialist recommends surgery or a rehab plan that can get his next spell on the road quickly.