Soccer:Blackburn striker Leon Best is set to be sidelined for up to six months after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage yesterday.

The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international, a €3.75 million summer signing from Newcastle, was carried off on a stretcher before half-time in Rovers’ 2-1 pre-season friendly win over AEK Athens at Fleetwood.

Best had earlier put Rovers 2-0 ahead, adding to Nuno Gomes’s opener with a fine individual effort.

A club statement read: “Rovers are preparing for the start of the Championship season without Leon Best after the striker suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Sunday’s pre-season friendly against AEK Athens.

“The Irish international, who only joined the club from Newcastle United earlier this month, was stretchered off shortly before half-time in the 2-1 win.

“Best, who had scored a superb goal in the game, was sent for a scan this morning and Rovers’ worst fears were confirmed, with the 25-year-old now set to face an extended spell on the sidelines.”

Reports suggest the striker could be out of action for around six months.

Best is one of boss Steve Kean’s flagship summer signings as Blackburn seek to gain an immediate return to the Barclays Premier League.

Now the Scot faces the prospect of heading into the forthcoming

campaign with Gomes and David Goodwillie as his only senior strikers.