Robins hit by Diallo injury blow

Defender Drissa Diallo has been ruled out of Cheltenham Town's Christmas programme with a knee injury, writes Mark Halliwell.

The 35-year-old Frenchman has been hugely influential in the Robins' recent improvement in form since arriving on loan from MK Dons, and is set to sign an 18-month permanent deal next month.

Diallo twisted his knee in training last Friday and was ruled out of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Walsall 90 minutes before kick-off, Dave Bird coming in at right back and Andy Gallinagh moving to centre-half with Darren Kenton.

"He has got Christmas knee," said manager Martin Allen. "He will not be fit for a few weeks which is a big blow as he is a good player and a good leader.

"It was difficult after we had done three days hard work on set plays and defending, which then went out of the window.

"Andy Gallinagh did well and Dave Bird came back into the side late, and Scott Brown did well when he was called upon."

Diallo will miss Friday's trip to fellow strugglers Yeovil and Sunday's home game with Peterborough, and will be a big doubt for the FA Cup third round game with Doncaster on January 3.

Allen was delighted with another clean sheet against Walsall, which means his side are unbeaten in their last five League and Cup ties.

"It was a shame that we could not get a winner for the supporters, who have been very patient recently," said Allen.

"They have been great. At times they must have wondered what the hell I was doing but I hope they can see how it is evolving.

"The commitment and energy of the team has been second to none.

"We have had Barry Hayles come in, Elvis Hammond is coming back to fitness and John Finnigan, our captain and a great leader is back, but not fully fit yet.

"It has been a blow losing people like Drissa Diallo, Scott Murray and Ashley Vincent but it gives opportunities to other people."

Allen lost Josh Payne after Saturday's game, while left-winger Johnny Hayes' loan is also up.

"It was not easy for Josh with the tempo, power and pace of League football but he has done well and the supporters have appreciated what he has done," said Allen.

"He has not been big-time but has come out of his comfort zone and done superbly.

"I have not made a decision about Hayes yet – finance is tight and I need to talk to the chairman."

Allen now turns his attentions to the Boxing Day trip to fellow strugglers Yeovil Town, and will have to check on knee injuries to Bird and Damian Spencer, who both came off on Saturday.

"The last derby at Hereford was a big let-down and now we go to Yeovil and it would be nice this time to send the supporters back up the motorway as happy people," said Allen.