RAIDERS utility back Brett Carter is facing six weeks on the sidelines as a result of the nasty facial injury he suffered against Hemel Stags.

The Scottish international was forced off the field during the first half of Saturday’s 82-0 mauling of the Stags after colliding with an opponent.

It was a sad end to what had been a bright start to Carter’s first competitive outing for Raiders, after joining them from Workington Town in the close season.

Playing on the wing, it took Carter just 10minutes to get over the try-line, but he ended the day in hospital nursing a suspected triple facial fracture.

Carter will learn more about the extent of the injury today, when he sees a specialist.

Raiders coach Paul Crarey does not expect to see the Barrow Island product back in action for at least six weeks – a bitter blow for a player who has already suffered a few injury setbacks during the close-season and early weeks of the campaign.

“Brett has multiple fractures to his face and he is going to see the consultant on Thursday about an operation,” said Crarey.

“I think he has fractured his eye socket, skull and cheekbone.

“The tackle was pretty horrific. Both players got injured. It was a full-on head clash. We knew it was serious and the doctor knew it was serious and he has been in hospital all week.

“He will see a consultant and his face might have to be plated. If they are going to do that, they will probably do it this week, but he is just waiting until he sees a specialist.

“They feel it could be four to six weeks and I think if we get him back in that length of time we will be very, very lucky.

“Hopefully it will give him a goal to get back, but we won’t rush him after a head injury, especially if he has to have an operation.

“We will just support him as best we can. I spoke to him on the phone and Brett reckons he could be back in four weeks, but I think hopefully he will be back in six weeks.

“It is a real shame because he has worked really hard to get back.

“I feel sorry for him but we’ve got other lads who can come in and do a good job.”

After making seven changes for the Stags clash, Crarey is set to pick his strongest squad possible for Sunday’s League One Cup quarter-final showdown with Keighley Cougars (kick-off 2pm).

Barrow have already beaten the West Yorkshiremen twice at Craven Park this season – 46-18 in a pre-season warm-up game and 20-0 in the Challenge Cup a fortnight ago – but Crarey is expecting a very difficult test.

“We’ve got a couple of little knocks, but no-one else is in the treatment room which is good news because it is going to be a real tough game,” added the coach.

l Barrow Island Ladies play their first home game of the RFL Summer League this Sunday when they entertain Oulton Raidettes at Rating Lane (2pm kick-off).