LEWIS Strapp says he is ‘gutted’ after being sidelined for over a month with a broken toe.

The left-back made his first start of the season against Stenhousemuir on Saturday and went in for a 50/50 tackle in the closing minutes of the game.

After playing on through the injury, Strapp didn’t get the problem checked out until Sunday as he thought it wasn’t that serious, and he was left distraught after finding out he had actually broken his big toe.

The full-back hopes he can continue his rehab while wearing a ‘moon boot’ allowing him to walk.

He told the Tele: “It just happened in the last few minutes of the game. I took a bad touch and I went in to try and get the ball from a 50/50 and done myself in.

“I was looking forward to getting going after my first start, it’s a horrendous time for it to happen really.

“I didn’t go to the hospital on Sunday as I thought it was staved as I could still move the toe around. I didn’t think it was that bad. It was bruised and purple and thought I might as well get it checked.

“It’s a hard one and just after pre-season, putting all the work in is a bit of a kick in the teeth. It’s gutting, but I’ve just got to get on with it.

“I’ve broken my fingers before but never anything serious. If I can stay on the bike I can hopefully stay fit, and I’m hoping to be back in four to six weeks.”