FOR midfielder Conall Murtagh the name of Chesterfield will conjure up bitter sweet memories when he recalls his League debut in years to come.

After months out recovering from a nasty muscle tear injury, which at one stage even threatened his career, the Irishman finally battled back to fitness and earned himself a first run out in the League, following two Carling Cup appearances.

But just half an hour in the game he was left not sure what day of the week it was after hefty challenge from home defender Janos Kovacs.

It seemed that the Hungarian had little chance of winning the ball, but he still crunched into the Wrexham player and left him flat out on the ground and after treatment from Mel Pejic, Andy O'Boyle and the Chesterfield club doctor was finally lead away to have NINE stitches inserted in a big cut over his right eye.

"I wanted to play on," was his Conall's first thought after the incident, but it was obvious to all around him that his day was finished.

"I honestly don't know what happened. I was ready to go for the ball and the next thing I'm on the ground with people staring down at me.

"It was great to be given my League debut and I was starting to enjoy myself, so it was a great pity that I had to leave the game.

"I just hope that I get over this quickly and can get back in the side soon."

Manager Brian Little suggested afterwards that there were more than a few meaty challenges going in during the match, one from keeper Barry Roche felled striker Neil Roberts outside of the box, while centre half Mike Williams also needed stitches to a head wound.