STRIKER Steve Basham has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Last year's 13-goal leading scorer at Oxford United injured his knee in the Nationwide Conference game at Exeter on New Year's Day.

He had hoped to return to action about now to play an important part in the final run-in.

But the 29-year-old has had a succession of setbacks.

And although he had forgone a possible knee operation last month to see if he could get back to playing without surgery, the latest setback this week has forced him out.

The former Southampton and Preston forward, one of the most popular U's players with the fans, is said to be devastated. His contract with the U's runs out this summer.

Before the campaign began, United's No 9 pledged to score the goals to get the club back into the Football League, and confidently predicted bagging 20 at least.

But he had a wretched time in front of goal and lost both his scoring knack and confidence, although he remained one of the most technically accomplished in the team.

He managed just four goals in 21 appearances this term.

Manager Jim Smith broke the news yesterday by saying: "We've just had a very sad phone call. Bash won't play again this season.

"It's not the exact same injury, but it's all connected.

"He broke down again when we were at Southport and the specialist was seeing him this morning and he's ruled him out for the rest of this season.

"I feel more for Bash than I do for ourselves because we haven't had him all season basically.

"Quite a few of the draws we had would have been wins if we'd had the real Bash.

"It's a really sad blow for him, and not very good news in all honesty. We've just got to get on with it."