Edward Kennett's spectacular first season in speedway has ended in tears.

The Eastbourne wonder-kid has been ruled out for the rest of the year after a scan revealed he suffered severe knee ligament damage in a crash last month.

"To be honest, I burst out crying when I was told," he said.

Kennett, who expected to be back in action in time for the world under-21 championship in Sweden in three weeks' time, will now be in plaster for another six weeks.

At first, it was believed he had cracked his left knee-cap when he was thrown from his machine while riding for Rye House in a match at Reading when his foot rest caught in the fence.

The news of the ligament damage has come as a huge blow to the youngster who has set the speedway world alight.

Kennett, who will be 17 next week, was almost certain of getting a ride in the world under-21 final after qualifying as first reserve from the semi-final in Slovenia. He will also miss the chance to become the individual champion of the Conference League. He will not be eligible next year because his average will be too high.

And the injury will rule him out of any more appearances for Eastbourne in the British League Cup. Kennett had been in sensational form, going from a Conference rider and Premier League reserve to No. 1 in Rye House's senior team as well as announcing his arrival on the international stage.

"I was terribly upset at first, but I'm coming to terms with it. I've just got to get myself fit now for the start of next season."