Chesterfield striker Tom Denton ruled out for rest of season with knee injury

The 31-year-old had an operation on his knee earlier this year and it was hoped he might still be able to play a part in this campaign.

But Spireites boss James Rowe said: “He won’t be available for the rest of the season, we are looking in the summer for him.

“Obviously that is a bit of a body blow for us, for what he can do, but unfortunately he won’t be back on the pitch this season.”

Denton, who has scored nine goals this season and was Town’s top scorer before his injury, is out of contract in the summer.

When asked if any talks have taken place about extending his contract, Rowe added: “Of course he is in our thoughts of what we want to do next year because he is a striker that scores goals and he provides weapons that perhaps other strikers in League Two and the National League can’t bring so of course he is in our plans.

“We haven't spoken as of yet because I don’t want to bombard him with too much because he is overcoming a serious injury but of course he is in our plans.”

Denton signed for the Blues in 2018 from Alfreton Town for an undisclosed fee when Martin Allen was manager.

The forward penned a new one-year deal with the club last summer.

He started this season in great form scoring six goals in six games.

His last appearance came against Solihull Moors in early January before he had his operation.