Scottish Cup: Winter break East Kilbride didn't want as side sweat on key player

East Kilbride's Sean Winter broke his hand (inset) during training and is a serious doubt for the Lothian Thistle game

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EAST KILBRIDE midfielder Sean Winter is a major doubt for the Scottish Cup clash with Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale after breaking his hand in training.

The winners of the match at K-Park on Wednesday will host a money-spinning tie with Celtic in the last 16 and Winter’s absence would be a huge blow to Kilby’s hopes of progressing.

Former Stranraer ace​ Winter, who has scored twice in four Scottish Cup outings this term, broke two fingers on his left hand on Monday.

The 28-year-old clashed with two team-mates in a seemingly innocuous coming together. He thought it was just a sprain and went to work the following day but the pain wouldn’t go away and a trip to hospital soon revealed news he didn’t want to hear.

Last night a deflated Winter said: “It’s not looking great. I knew straight away something was wrong when I heard a crack but I’ve sprained my wrist before and it’s been okay.

“I struggled through work on Tuesday and eventually had to go to the hospital because it was so bad.

“Thankfully I didn’t need an operation but it was touch and go because the doctor said it was a bad one.

“When I spoke to him about playing his reaction was there is no way I should be playing any kind of sport for four to six weeks but I’m desperate to play so I will do everything I can.

“It’s so typical it happens the night we draw Celtic. But I need to be sensible about it. To beat Lothian we need everyone at 100 per cent, so I need to see what can be done in terms of playing in a light cast.

“If I feel I can’t go into the game without worrying about getting hurt, that wouldn’t be good for the team.

“I really don’t know what’s going to happen but I will train tonight and speak to the medical team.”

Winter’s setback is far from ideal for Kilby manager Billy Ogilvie who wants to field his strongest side.

He said: “It is a huge concern. Sean got sandwiched in between two players and we all heard a crack but he seemed to be okay.

“It wasn’t until the next day we learned how bad it was. He has been a key player for us this season and he’s one of the more experienced players in the squad who really helps the younger boys out, so it would be a massive blow.

“We’ll know by the weekend if he will be able to play or not but if he can’t play against Whitehill Welfare on Saturday then we’re in real trouble.

“We are hoping there is some way we can put a light cast on it because he can’t play with a stookie.”