GUTTED Dorchester Town boss Glenn Howes spoke of his anguish at star striker Olaf Koszela’s broken ankle, adding: “He epitomised everything about our play”.

Koszela sustained the injury in first-half stoppage-time of Dorchester’s 3-1 loss to Chesham United last time out.

He required surgery and has now returned to parent club Torquay two games earlier than planned, with his loan due to expire in January.

Koszela is Dorchester’s leading scorer this season, bagging seven goals in his third spell at the Avenue.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town v Truro City - match preview

However, the forward’s all-round play has been a valuable asset in Dorchester’s renaissance this season, with the Magpies constantly up around the Southern League Premier South play-off positions.

Speaking to Echosport, Howes said: “I send my gratitude to Torquay and Olaf.

“He epitomised everything about our play. He was getting stronger, quicker, more powerful, more confident, really affecting the game in the final third in possession.

“I don’t think there’s been any doubts about Olaf’s game out of possession. But, out of possession he’s really hurt the opposition in terms of contributing in key moments of games.

“Not just through goals but through creating opportunities for others. It’s a massive blow not only for Dorchester but an even bigger blow for the lad himself and Torquay.

“He wasn’t sure what was going to happen at the end of his loan period but no doubt there were suitors from higher up looking at Olaf.

“That might’ve been his jump to make to test himself at the next level. We believe he’s certainly done his apprenticeship at this level and proved himself at Step 3.

“We just wish him a real speedy recovery. We’re hoping it’s not too long, around ten to 12 weeks. I’m sure he’s going to come back a better player.”

If Koszela takes 12 weeks to recover, he could return in mid-March.

Asked if Dorchester could then take the Gulls’ marksman back for a fourth spell, Howes replied: “It’s probably a little premature for us to have a say on that.

“The lad needs to get back to competitive football.

“Whether he’s going to be fit enough and whether he’ll go into (Torquay’s) first-team setup, or whether he would go out and gain fitness, that would be Torquay’s decision.

“That’s something for them to approach when it comes.”

And Howes hinted there would initially be a chance for Dorchester’s current squad to stake a claim for Koszela’s spot in the starting line-up.

“Ben Symes is back from university for the Christmas period, so if required we can enrol Ben in the squad,” Howes revealed.

“He’s been ticking over playing university football, so he’s match fit and plays in a similar position to Olaf.

“Closer to home, we have Shaq (Gwengwe), Olly Balmer. However, we’re well aware we probably would need to strengthen over the next weeks.

“If the boys don’t step up, they all know that, we will strengthen and won’t hesitate to bring someone in.

“At the moment, it creates an opportunity for the squad.”

Koszela’s loan extends to the same time as that of midfielder Alex Moyse’s.

Howes said: “We’ve started discussions with Torquay. They want to see their situation, the player’s situation and potential suitors higher up the pyramid.

“Alex himself seems quite happy within the environment he’s in and is playing football.

“If he needs to be tested higher up, he’s a Torquay player and we need to respect that.

“He’s really grown as a player and person since he’s been with us and under the tuition of Torquay.

“We’ve managed to give him the competitive game time that players need to develop further.

“He’s done that, he’s got better as the season’s gone on and has become a real important player for us within that engine room.”

Dorchester, in ninth, host title-chasing Truro at the Avenue Stadium today (3pm).

Beyond that, Dorchester’s Boxing Day clash at Poole is now a 1pm kick-off.