FORMER Town forward Harry McKirdy has been ruled out for four to six months, after it was announced that he will require surgery for a problem related to his heart.

The discovery was made after the Hibernian striker’s pre-season scans revealed an issue that ‘needed further investigation’, which was then followed up by discussions with a specialist, according to their official club website.

McKirdy took to Instagram to also share the unfortunate news, with his post indicating the lengthy spell on the side-lines is due to a heart related issue, saying: "Time to get the old ticker fixed."

It rules out any potential loan move out of Scotland for Swindon’s 21/22 top goal scorer, who has had a tough start to life at the Hibees since his move there from Wiltshire in September 2022.

McKirdy had been linked with a reunion with former Town manager Ben Garner, who was appointed as Colchester boss back in March 2023 following his sacking from Charlton Athletic.

The other and more likely option for the 26-year-old would have been heading to East London to join up with another former Swindon boss – Richie Wellens, who guided the O's to promotion last season in fine fashion.

READ MORE: Swindon Town not thought to be interested in Harry McKirdy loan deal

The London-born forward failed to score in 22 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side last season, although 17 of those games saw McKirdy sent on from the bench.

The numbers are very contrasting to his time at SN1, where was named in the EFL League Two Team of the Season, along with scooping the Swindon Advertiser's Swindon Town Player of the Season award.

With the surgery potentially ruling him out until December, it appears that McKirdy could be facing yet another difficult season ahead.

Speaking to the club’s media, Hibernian manager Lee Johnson said: “This has come as a real shock for us all and has been a tough few days for Harry as we came to the bottom of what the scans meant.

“We’re all with him, we have to rally around him and give him as much support as possible.

“We have a first-class medical department that will look after him and make sure he comes back fit and healthy.”