Chesterfield star man Akwasi Asante will be 'back stronger' after suffering ruptured ACL

Town’s star man has ruptured his ACL and will take no further part in the push for promotion this campaign.

“He will be back stronger, there is no doubt,” Rowe said.

“There is no risk to his career.

“ACL’s these days can get repaired and players come back stronger and I have no doubt his strength of mind and character and also his network will have a major influence on him coming back even stronger.

“Fortunately we have still got him under contract when he does come back and I am sure the long wait to see him live in the stadium for the fans will be exciting for them and he is excited to play in front of them.”

Rowe has worked with Asante at Birmingham City and Gloucester City so he knows him well.

The Spireites boss added: “We are close, obviously I have known him for quite a long period and we have an open relationship in terms of open communication.

“It is not nice when you have that news. There was a little bit of a wait - three days - and you are obviously a little bit petrified, if you like, about the worst case scenario and it was the worst case scenario but he has dealt with it well and he is in a lot brighter spirits in the last few days and all he wants is for us to finish the job.”