NOEL Hunt confirmed that Dion Conroy will be out for months and not weeks on Wednesday afternoon, but the true extent of the Swindon Town captain’s injury will be revealed in the coming days.

Conroy collided with Newport County skipper Joss Labadie nine minutes into Town’s latest League Two clash.

The 23-year-old was assisted off the field by two of Town’s medical staff following a lengthy period of on-pitch treatment.

The setback hurt Richie Wellens, as Town’s lack of attacking presence in the remainder of the first half gifted County a one-goal lead at half time before they went on to win the contest 0-2.

Assistant manager Hunt said: “We’re waiting to hear back from the scan results. But it will definitely be months, not weeks.

“We’re waiting to see the extent of it, it’s a blow for us.

“Dion (Conroy) has been fantastic. When myself and Richie (Wellens) first came to Swindon, he wasn’t where he thought he’d be.

“We had a couple of arguments and fights over the first couple of months, but he has been brand new since then.

“He was in great shape, and he’s done so well from where he was. He’s a good centre half, and we’ll miss him.”

Wellens and Hunt have cast their eye over the free agent market in recent days, and are in talks with five targets.

The option to recall Joe Romanski from Melksham Town and Luke Haines from Chippenham Town has been considered.

But Town’s management deemed the youngsters’ time at their respective loan clubs to be of greater value than being sat on the bench in case of a further emergency.

Hunt added: “We’re still working hard, hopefully something will come up in the next week or so.

“Good professionals will be working hard during their time off – if a player isn’t a good pro then they won’t be joining us.

“There are four or five that we’re currently talking to.”