INJURY looks set to scupper Paddy Kenny’s dream return to Gigg Lane.

The 37-year-old stopper was signed on an eight-week deal predominantly to play in last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Gillingham, while on-loan Stoke keeper Daniel Bachmann was away on international duty.

But he tore his calf muscle in training on Thursday and was unable to figure in the game, forcing manager David Flitcroft to play 17-year-old former youth team player Jack Ruddy instead.

Ruddy seized the opportunity to give a good account of himself on his professional debut.

Bachmann is set to walk back into the side for this weekend’s visit of Burton Albion.

And with number one Rob Lainton expected to return from injury in around four weeks’ time, it looks like Kenny’s chance to earn a longer-term deal could have passed him by.

“I’m gutted for Paddy because he felt good about this opportunity. He felt alive again, he wanted to be part of a football club,” said Flitcroft.

“We brought him home and I’m gutted for the lad.

“He’s on the floor, he really wanted to make this work.

"Paddy has been with us for 10 days and he's trained for seven.

"This (Gillingham) was the game we got him in for.

"I like the way he has trained with the team and we had given him an eight-week contract because of that.

"The last bit of the training session (on Thursday), the last three or four minutes, he's gone up to claim corner, a cross has come in and he's taken it and he has torn his calf.

"So I’m gutted for Paddy because not many managers would have given him a chance.

“We have brought him home and really wanted it to work because I think he would have been good for the dressing room and good for the squad.

"But these things happen - Jack's had an opportunity and taken it."

Ruddy had looked set to leave the club in the last transfer window as Aston Villa were rumoured to have lined up a £300,000 bid. But the move never materialised.

Flitcroft had also poured cold water on his chances of stepping up to cover for the injured Lainton, saying the young Scot was not ready for first-team football.

But after another crocked signing Aaron McCarey and Kenny missed their opportunity to shine, Ruddy took his.

“I thought everything he did was fantastic,” said Flitcroft. “As you would expect he started a little bit nervy but he grew into the game and looked very, very accomplished, so I was really happy with Jack’s performance.

“It’s a learning experience. You always remember your debut and he’s done it down in Gillingham.

“Yeah, we got beat but there is a bigger picture. Jack has got a fantastic career in front of him.

“He wasn’t at fault for any of the goals and I enjoyed watching him grow into the game.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity, Jack certainly took his and I’m delighted for him because he’s a grafter. He’s got his just rewards because he does work hard.”