The Irishman was absent for today's pre-season opener at Stalybridge Celtic - which the Reds won 1-0 - and Lee Johnson commented after the game, "Conor Hourihane is going to be out for probably three to four weeks. He picked up a medial knee ligament injury in training the other day.

"That's my biggest fear, injuries. We've got Adam Davies who should be back with us next week as well."