Nightclub attack rules Quinn out for season

MOTHERWELL captain Paul Quinn suffered a broken jaw during an incident in his home town, the Scottish Premier League club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old was due to undergo surgery yesterday and could miss the rest of the season. The Lanarkshire club claimed the player had been assaulted in Wishaw at the weekend.

A spokesman for the club said: "Motherwell Football Club can confirm that club captain Paul Quinn was attacked at Baker Street nightclub on Saturday night and was taken to Wishaw General Hospital.

"For legal reasons, the club cannot comment any further as the matter is now in the hands of the police. We wish Paul a speedy recovery from his injuries."

Strathclyde Police said that a man had been arrested over an incident in the club but had no record of Quinn being involved.

A police spokeswoman said: "A 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with an incident in Baker Street nightclub. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."

The injury is a huge blow to Motherwell's challenge for a Uefa Cup place. Mark McGhee's team retained third place with a 2-2 draw against Dundee United on Saturday, but their opponents are only a point behind and Hibs a point further back. The Fir Park side have two games in hand, but both are against title favourites Rangers.

Right-back Quinn could be replaced by Brian McLean, normally a centre-back, for Saturday's visit of Celtic, while Bob Malcolm filled in at full-back when he was suspended last month.

Quinn was handed the armband earlier this year following the death of Phil O'Donnell.