Dundee United defender Darren Dods has been ruled out of next weekend's Active Nation Scottish Cup final against Ross County.
The 34-year-old former Inverness and St Johnstone player has torn cartilage in his knee, and will undergo an operation next week to rectify the problem. United boss Peter Houston is devastated for the popular defender, who was dropped by former manager Craig Levein for the League Cup final in 2008.
"It's such a shame for Dodsy. He's torn the cartilage in his knee so will need an operation and will miss the final," said Houston.
"But he's still here next season so there might be another one for him to look forward to then.
"Darren is a great professional so we're all really disappointed for him.
"He's hardly missed a training session since he came to the club. It takes something major for him to miss any game.
"He's one of the most professional guys in the game. A lot of young boys could take a leaf out of his book, the way he stretches to keep himself fit.
"He's been left out of finals and cup semi-finals before under Craig Levein, yet never ever chapped the door to complain.
"We don't have an over-abundance of centre-backs so it's obviously a blow for him. But we'll just have to get on with it."
Source: PA
