Ribeiro may face a year on sidelines

BRISTOL City's young defender Christian Ribeiro has been ruled out for up to a year with knee ligament damage.

The 18-year-old right-back suffered the injury half an hour into his first-team debut in the Carling Cup against Peterborough on Tuesday.

Medics yesterday confirmed the fears that he damaged the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. The Wales Under-21 international will have an operation today.

City manager Gary Johnson said: "Everyone is gutted for Christian. It's hard luck on the lad, but, as I said on the night, he will come back from this.

"He's young, fit and strong. He's only 18 and has time on his side. It will seem a long road back at the moment, but we will give him all our time and attention."