Edinburgh fly-half Godman has won 23 caps for Scotland

Edinburgh and Scotland fly-half Phil Godman will be sidelined for at least six months after picking up a serious knee injury in training.

The 28-year-old will miss the autumn Tests and Six Nations but hopes to be available for next year's World Cup.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "He will have to undergo surgery in due course to repair the knee ligaments.

"But [we] will be working to deliver him ready to be considered for selection for the World Cup squad."

Godman won his 23rd Scotland cap in last season's Calcutta Cup draw with England but is unlikely to return to action before the end of next year's Six Nations Championship.

There are many examples of players returning to full international duty having sustained this kind of injury Scotland team doctor James Robson

The fly-half said: "I have to focus on my rehabilitation and target being available to go to the World Cup [in September 2011], which is a massive ambition for me."

Godman tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during an Edinburgh training session on Tuesday.

After the player underwent a scan at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, with the results being reviewed by the Edinburgh and Scotland medical teams, Robson expressed his confidence that the fly-half would recover sufficiently to resume his international career.

"Phil sustained the injury in non-contact training," he said. "His rehabilitation starts now.

"I have seen Phil this morning and there are many examples of players returning to full international duty having sustained this kind of injury.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Phil Godman's injury

"From our own national squad, Jason White and Nathan Hines have both recovered to play a full part in international rugby after ACL damage."

Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat added: "It's desperately bad luck for Phil, who has just played his 100th Magners League game for the club and is a key player for us.

"Clearly, we wish him a speedy recovery."

Godman's injury means that David Blair will be promoted from the bench as Edinburgh seek their first Magners League win of the season when Leinster visit Murrayfield on Friday.

Tom Brown, last season's Scotland Under-20 full-back, is called up to the bench and will be making his Magners League debut should he play a part in the match.

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