Clarke facing lengthy lay-off

Blackpool striker Billy Clarke could be out for three months with the knee injury he suffered in last week's friendly against Tiverton Town.The 22-year-old Irishman picked up the problem less than two minutes into the Seasiders' opening pre-season match on Friday and manager Ian Holloway has confirmed he will definitely miss the start of their maiden Premier League season.He said: "It's a bit worrying for us and for Bill. He's going to be out for at least two months, possibly three."He's definitely got a bit of meniscus, which is cartilage, and he's definitely got an anterior cruciate which is torn and it's not going to be a quick fix."