Sunderland defender Paddy McNair set to miss the rest of the season with cruciate ligament injury
Former Manchester United man suffered the injury in the first half against Hull but played on until 88th minute
PADDY MCNAIR has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Sunderland have had a sudden improvement in fortunes under David Moyes, winning 2-1 away at Bournemouth and 3-0 at home to Hull.
But this latest injury will be a hammer blow to the Black Cats.
Northern Ireland international McNair joined Sunderland from Man United in summer, along with Donald Love, in a joint £5.5m deal.
Before his injury he had featured in every Premier League game this season.
Manager David Moyes told the : “I think he'd [McNair] just started to find his way in the Premier League - even though he had experience at Manchester United - and the games he was having were bringing him on and giving him confidence.
Keep up to date with ALL the Sunderland news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
“He probably won’t have his operation for over a week because he’s got a cut on his knee and they can’t operate while there is an open wound, so we have to wait until that heals so it might be a week or two.
“We won’t see him again this season and all we can hope is getting him right for the start of next season."
McNair picked up the injury after a first half collision with Curtis Davies against Hull on Saturday.
And he made it worse by playing on in the match until the 88th minute.
He is also likely to miss Northern Ireland's crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway in March.