Birmingham City winger Connor Mahoney has sent a message of support to teammate Maikel Kieftenbeld after the midfielder was dealt a severe injury blow.
The club confirmed on Monday evening that he had suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament and would now spend at least six months on the sidelines.
Mahoney was quick to offer some comforting words, however, posting on his Instagram Story, along with a team photograph, he wrote: "We are all with you every step of the way bro."
After a clash with Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the pitch on the hour mark, Kieftenbeld required lengthy treatment before eventually being stretchered off.
The Dutchman’s deal with the club was set to expire in the summer of 2020, but they have now confirmed that they will be taking up the option of an extension following this latest set-back.
He has played 163 times for the Blues since signing from Dutch side Groningen back in July 2015, becoming a key member of Garry Monk’s squad.
The verdict
The spirit within the team has probably been Birmingham City's biggest strengths.
Given their transfer troubles back in the summer and January, it was remarkable that they were challenging for the play-offs before their deduction.
So Mahoney's reaction this incident is par for the course in a team like Birmingham's.