DORCHESTER Town star Bradley Tarbuck has vowed to “come back stronger” after a freak accident could rule him out for the rest of the campaign.

The former Portsmouth youngster, who joined the club permanently on a one-year deal in September, suffered a suspected rupture of his medial cruciate ligament while running down the stairs at his girlfriend’s house this week.

Tarbuck did not believe the damage he sustained was too serious and even drove home after picking up the injury.

Explaining the situation, the youngster, who is still to have scans to confirm the full extent of the problem, told Echosport: “I was basically running down the stairs and missed the last step and landed awkwardly.

“I still drove home with it. It wasn’t too painful until the evening when I was in bed.

“I was a bit upset and it’s dragged me down a bit. I haven’t been myself over the last couple of days but obviously that’s normal.

“Obviously I was looking to get back to full-time football and see what I could do but this has held me back a little bit.

“It’s frustrating but I am not going to let it affect me. I am just going to have to get on with it and come back stronger.”

Tarbuck is still set to be at the Avenue to watch as the Magpies take on Chippenham Town tomorrow (3pm).

A statement on Dorchester’s website said: “Unfortunately, this type of injury is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season. We of course wish Bradley a very speedy recovery.”

* Striker Liam Sayers' loan spell from Portsmouth has been extended until the end of the season.