Darren Murphy has said he feels gutted for Jamie Douglas after the injury-stricken forward suffered a fresh setback against Lisburn Distillery.
The 20-year-old made his first appearance of the season on Saturday as a second half substitute following 18 months on the sidelines.
But he lasted just three minutes before pulling up with a torn hamstring.
Douglas is a former Dungannon youth player and had signed for Preston North End – a move which was wrecked by a series of injuries.
He now faces another lengthy period out of the game.
Murphy admitted the incident had cast a huge shadow over his side’s 1-0 win against Distillery.
“I feel for Jamie – he’s only 20 and has been out for 18 months and has worked so hard to get back playing again,” he said.
“Due to injuries and suspensions he got a chance on Saturday. He was so happy to be named in the squad and was really excited coming on – and he lasted three minutes.
“It is such a shame for him. Jamie was at Cookstown Youth and then he came through our youth system and has been with us since he was a boy.
“We sent him to Preston and injury sent him home again, but nobody has worked harder than him to get back playing again.
“It is so disappointing to see a young lad who has worked so hard get another kick in the teeth.”
Distillery boss Tim McCann was hugely disappointed with the result.
“It’s gutting considering Dungannon had just one chance in the second half,” he said. “I thought it was just a matter of time for us.
“We had a chance at one end and then two minutes later the ball is in our net from an individual error.
Meanwhile, Dungannon are set to swoop for ex-Portadown goalkeeper Tuda Murphy to fill the gap left by Niall Morgan’s departure from the club.
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