Carlisle physio Neil Dalton has revealed the club considered sending striker Joe Garner to famed doctor Richard Steadman for knee surgery.The 19-year-old had scored 14 goals in 30 starts before suffering the injury during the win over Crewe last week.

Carlisle owner Fred Story offered to pay for the surgery but, after a consultation with other leading physios, it was decided Garner's surgery would be performed in London.

"We obviously all want the best treatment for Joe so we looked at a few options. Fred (Story) actually said he would foot the bill himself to send Joe over to America to see Richard Steadman," Dalton told the club's official website.

"I looked into it, spoke to the head physios at Blackburn and Manchester United and on speaking to them they said Steve Bollen, our surgeon, is one of the best there is for this type of operation.

"They couldn't recommend him highly enough. The upshot of all of that is we're happy he is in good hands."

More Football News from TEAMtalk