Angry Reuben Hazell accuses Torquay striker Rene Howe

Angry Reuben Hazell today accused Torquay United striker Rene Howe of a "stupid and cowardly act" as the Shrewsbury Town defender faces up to the most serious injury of his career.

It was a trip by Howe in the dying embers of Saturday's 2-0 Town victory which has left Hazell with a serious knee ligament injury which could rule him out for the rest of the season.

And the experienced defender is devastated at seeing a promising start to his Town career thwarted by a massive setback.

"The most disappointing thing is that it was avoidable and unnecessary," said the former Oldham defender who was in a rich vein of form.

"It was a stupid and cowardly act.

"Once he tripped me, the knee and my leg ended up in an awkward position that just wasn't natural.

"I knew it was serious straight away."

Howe received a second yellow card for the incident and was sent off.

Hazell will not learn the full extent of his injury until a meeting with a specialist in the coming days.

But he is already braced for a long road to recovery.

"I have spoken to the pyhsio (Chris Skitt) and I think I will be lucky to see the back end of the season," he added.

"Hopefully the lads will have got promoted by then.

"I'm determined to get back as quickly as possible but without rushing it and doing further damage.

"It's a fine line but I'm in good hands and I've got total confidence in the medical staff at the club."

Despite nearing the tail-end of his career, the 32-year-old is determined to return stronger for the injury setback.

"It's the most serious injury I have ever had and it was so uncomfortable on Saturday and Sunday that I was struggling to sleep," he added.

"But I have got a two-year-deal here and this injury won't keep me out for two years.

"My duty to Shrewsbury Town Football Club is to get fit and available again as soon as possible and that's what I want to do to repay the faith the club have shown in me."

By JAMES GARRISON