SWINDON Town have been dealt a significant blow ahead of Friday night's FA Cup third-round tie with Manchester City.

In Wednesday's pre-match press conference, head coach Ben Garner revealed Jack Payne would definitely miss the City game after picking up a knee injury during the 5-2 win at home to Northampton Town on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the 55th minute when the Swindon midfielder tried to shoot inside the box, but his effort was blocked at source by a Cobblers defender.

McKirdy subsequently volleyed into the far corner to give Swindon the lead minutes before Payne was forced off - initially as a precaution.

Speaking to local and national media outlets, Garner revealed the club's vice-captain would definitely be out of action for Friday but did not say how much longer Town would be without his services.

Garner said: "Unfortunately, Jack Payne is injured. He injured his knee on Saturday against Northampton, which is disappointing.

"It's a shame for Jack because he's been an ever-present this season. He's been a fantastic player for us so far, so we're disappointed for him that he won't feature in the game.

"But our priority is the league campaign, and we want him back fit and available for that as quickly as possible."

The Swindon boss also revealed he may well be without Welsh international Jonny Williams too as the forward is yet to train with the group ahead of the FA Cup third-round tie.

Williams has been one of Town's chief attacking threats this term, and Garner admitted it would be a real blow should he not be in the mix for selection on Friday.

Garner said: "Jonny Williams hasn't trained as of Wednesday this week.

"We'll see how he is going into training on Thursday, but at the moment he will be touch and go for the game.

"That's disappointing again, but our strength this season has been the strength of the group and maintaining that team ethic. That will be the case again moving forward.

"We've worked all season on a 'next man up' philosophy. It's an opportunity for another player, and it's always about the group.

"No one or two players are going to beat Man City on their own, we need every player within the squad to play their part."