Austin injury may prove a DS point

David Sullivan’s injury fears over Charlie Austin have been at least partially confirmed with the news this evening the Queens Park Rangers striker could be out of action for a month.

He has picked up a hamstring injury in what has also been described as an “acute muscle injury” and will be sidelined for at least a month according to national reports.

He picked up the problem in a 4-0 defeat by Fulham at the weekend having scored seven goals in nine appearances for the team.

Sullivan took enormous stick from the world and his wife after making his feelings clear on the Rangers striker when questioned on a www.kumb.com podcast about whether the Hammers would sign him.

The Irons chairman said: “I fully accept that, day to day, he is fine and that his recent form is fantastic, but the fact is he failed a medical at Hull three years ago.

“The question is whether past injuries will impact on the longevity of his career. Obviously, it will depend on his latest medical, and even with that information medical opinions might vary.

“I hope Charlie plays on until he’s 37 or 38, as he’s a fantastic player who I admire.”

But it seems his judgement on not to pay £15 million for the player may have been justified quite apart from the fact that Andy Carroll is back from injury.