TOM Killick could look to bolster Poole Town's defensive options after admitting Michael Walker's injury nightmare may sideline him for the upcoming season.

Walker has not played a minute of football for Dolphins since he suffered knee ligament damage during the 3-2 defeat at Concord Rangers in November.

The ex-Weymouth and Wimborne Town man was stretchered off having landed awkwardly following a seemingly innocuous clash with former Poole loan striker Jordan Chiedozie.

Having finally gone under the knife a fortnight ago, Walker's wait for competitive football could reach up to 21 months depending on his recovery time.

And boss Killick revealed he may look for back-up ahead of the new National South campaign.

Killick told the Daily Echo: "Michael Walker's operation got delayed quite a bit. One of the huge negatives about our level of football is you are reliant on the NHS and, understandably, getting back to playing football is not a huge priority for them.

"You have to wait your turn and Michael's operation was delayed for a lot longer than we would ideally have wanted, so the result of that is that while I haven't ruled it out, he probably won't be available all season.

"He had the operation a couple of weeks ago so you can see the amount of time we've lost. It might be a nine-month recovery so if he has lost eight months, it's more likely he will miss the whole season rather than return before.

"We probably need a bit of cover in that area and, potentially, either an attacking midfielder or a forward.

"You have your ideals as to who you might bring in but sometimes you get an opportunity to bring in a player who you think could do you a lot of good and it might not necessarily be the position you are looking at.

"Sometimes you have to consider it if you think it is going to enhance you. We will have to wait and see."

While Walker could spend the best part of two years on the sidelines due to his lengthy wait for surgery and subsequent recovery time, Killick believes the talismanic defender can make a return to the Dolphins fold.

Killick added: "If you look at professional players who have similar injuries, it's an horrendous time for them in terms of their recovery and the non-league players have the added issue of waiting for surgery.

"I think that's the most demoralising element of it all because you are not progressing, you are just waiting.

"Walks is a powerful personality and a strong character. I've got every confidence he will come back from this and we will be able to welcome him back into our squad.

"He is a really big part of the make-up of our club."

Walker has had four spells with Poole Town, playing a pivotal role in the club's rise from the Wessex League to National South.