QPR striker Charlie Austin has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious shoulder injury in Tuesday night's win over Bolton.

Austin landed heavily during the first half of the 2-1 victory at Loftus Road and despite appearing to shrug off the initial knock and even bag a goal, scans have since revealed he will require surgery.

Club head of medical services, Dr Peter Florida  said Austin has done some damage to the bone and cartilage in the joint as well as the soft tissue around it and needs an operation.

Austin said on Twitter: "Gutted is an understatement. I will working hard to get back ASAP but lets (sic) all get behind the team and achieve what we all want."

It will come as a bitter blow to QPR and boss Harry Redknapp who had already stressed the need to strengthen up front before Austin's injury.