December 20 2006

Tommy Black

Tommy Black has cut short his loan at Bradford due to injury.

Black, 27, was about to sign for another month at the League One club after impressing boss Colin Todd.

But the winger cracked a rib in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chesterfield and has returned to Palace for treatment.

“Unfortunately the deal’s dead now,” admitted Todd. “It’s a real shame but he’s going to be out for a significant time so there is no point in him staying with us.

“He had an X-ray on Sunday which didn’t show anything but another one yesterday revealed a crack which will take a while to heal.

“It is a blow to lose Tommy because he has made a significant impact since he first came as he got fitter and fitter.”