Blackpool man out on loan in League One dealt 10-week injury blow

The midfielder suffered the injury during Lincoln’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.

Imps boss Mark Kennedy says Virtue, who is due to remain at Sincil Bank until the end of the season, will be a big miss.

“Matty’s torn his hamstring, so unfortunately he’ll be missing for a sustained period which is a huge shame for him and for us,” he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

“He’s been a big, big player for us, he’s played every minute and his availability to play and to train has been 100 per cent, so we’re bitterly disappointed for Matty and we look forward to having him back.

“He’s had a huge impact on the pitch, at the training ground and in the dressing room. He’s a lovely guy, he’s the ultimate pro and a real gentleman off the pitch.

“I use this word a lot but we’re very proud to have Matty with us, very privileged to have him so he’ll be sorely missed.

“The most important thing for Matty now is his rehab and getting him up to speed. He looks after himself, he’s in fantastic shape and he’s an ultimate pro, so if anyone can get back quicker than anybody – I’m not saying that’s what we’ll try to do – but he’ll give himself the absolute best chance of being fighting fit soon.”

Virtue, who has made 26 appearances for Lincoln this season, is out of contract at Bloomfield Road at the end of the season, although Blackpool do hold the option to extend.