Marc Richards looks set to miss the start of the new season.

Swindon Town have confirmed the 36-year-old striker could be out for 'a couple of months' after he sustained ligament damage to his shoulder during a 5-2 pre-season victory over Melksham Town.

Robins manager Phil Brown told the club's website: "Unfortunately the scan results came back and I think he's going to be out a couple of months minimum," Town Boss Phil Brown told swindontownfc.co.uk.

"He hasn't dislocated his shoulder but he's ruptured the ligaments in his shoulder. We feel for Marc because he was looking really fit, he came back with the right mentality, a great attitude and to lose him in a pre-season game is a big blow.

"It just means that we have to open up the shopping arcade for a striker again.

"Elijah Adebayo has come in, he's trained very well and he's impressing the lads with his attitude and mentality. He's a big lad and he'll work well with us. Now we've lost Marc, Elijah must be thinking he's our number nine at the moment and hopefully that will take pressure off him and he can perform."

Richards joined Swindon from Northampton Town last January and scored 11 times in 20 appearances.