SOCCEROOS hopeful Kenny Dougall appears to be out of contention for a spot in the squad for the Asian Cup, with the midfielder dealt a cruel injury blow.

The Barnsley man ‘isn’t expected to play again this year’ according to the BBC after suffering ankle ligament damage.

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Dougall, who is yet to be capped at senior level for Australia, was injured by a challenge from Shrewsbury’s Anthony Grant

The 25-year-old has been a part of Graham Arnold’s first two squads as nationl team boss, but is yet to earn a debut. He played six times at U23 level for his nation.

Dougall had enjoyed a strong start to the season in League One after joining Barnsley from Dutch outfit Sparta Rotterdam. But now it appears he could miss up to 10 matches with injury.

Club manager Daniel Stendel speculated on his return date: “I think longer than this year.”

He will certainly miss the Socceroos’ upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Lebanon, a blow which will likely effect his chances of making the final squad for the Asian Cup.