FORMER Ipswich Town star Kieron Dyer's injury nightmare continued last night when he suffered a suspected double fracture of his leg in only his third game for new club West Ham.

FORMER Ipswich Town star Kieron Dyer's injury nightmare continued last night when he suffered a suspected double fracture of his leg in only his third game for new club West Ham.

The 28-year-old midfielder faces months on the sidelines after suffering the horror injury in a tackle early in the first half of his side's 2-1 Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers.

The injury represents a blow for England ahead of next month's all-important Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia, with the midfielder - a recent recruit from Newcastle at £6million - a regular in Steve McClaren's squads.

Dyer had to cope with many injury problems during his time in the north-east and hoped to make a fresh start in east London.

He had moved south to be closer to his family in Ipswich. He had started his career at his hometown club before joining Newcastle in 1999.

Dyer was making his third consecutive start for West Ham last night, but his injury jinx soon struck again.

It was immediately apparent the midfielder was in severe pain following Joe Jacobson's challenge near the right flank, which referee Mike Jones penalised with a free-kick.

The midfielder stayed down a long while and was eventually carried off in the 13th minute. Initial diagnosis before he was despatched to hospital was a double fracture.