NEWPORT County defender Byron Anthony will be out for “several months,” after suffering a double leg break and a dislocation.

Anthony was stretch-ered off on Tuesday in County’s phenomenal 3-1 Capital One Cup win at Championship outfit Brighton following a challenge by Inigo Calderon which saw the defender given a straight red card.

Anthony went under the knife yesterday and will remain at hospital in Brighton until Saturday when he’ll be transferred to Newport.

His operation was successful and while the Exiles haven’t yet put an official timescale on his recovery, early indicators are he’s likely to be sidelined for six months.

The Exiles were furious with the reaction to the injury of a section of Brighton fans, but they’ve sprung to the defence of Calderon.

It is understood the Brighton man stayed with Anthony until he was taken to hospital and then opted to visit him before his surgery.

County’s director of football Tim Harris explained: “We have no issue with their boy who was distraught, he assures us it was an accident and we have no reason to question his integrity or sincerity on the issue.

“His concern for Byron was exemplary.”

Harris revealed Anthony is in good spirits and his family travelled to visit him yesterday. Harris, manager Justin Edinburgh and chief executive Dave Boddy all stayed in Brighton on Tuesday to visit Anthony.

Meanwhile, Anthony also used social media yesterday to thanks fans for their well wishes.

“The operation is all done and the road to recovery begins, let’s do this!

“Your support has been amazing to me and my family are so grateful. Love to you all.”

Anthony has been a key performer for the Exiles, arguably their most consistent in 2013 and his loss will be a huge blow.

“It’s hard to think of a player who has had a better 2013,” Harris admitted.