Fernandez feared gangrene after Caldwell tackle

KILMARNOCK striker David Fernandez has accused Celtic's Gary Caldwell of trying to "destroy" him with the tackle which left him with damaged cruciate ligaments in his left knee. The Spanish forward was carried off on a stretcher after the challenge from Caldwell during a league match at Rugby Park on 29 October. Fernandez says he still suffers constant pain following the incident , and has lost all feeling in his left foot. The 30-year-old admitted he feared gangrene would set into his damaged knee, and thought his playing career was over. And Fernandez, who played previously for Celtic, said the agony caused by the injury left him worrying for his career. The Spaniard has previously cleared Scotland international Caldwell of blame for the clash, which happened during Killie's 2-1 home defeat. But Fernandez, who will have a second operation on his knee tomorrow, vented his anger and frustration in an interview with the Madrid sports newspaper, Marca. "I had controlled a long ball, and played a pass to a team-mate," the striker recalled. "Then Caldwell launched himself at me in a double feet-first challenge. My left leg was trapped between his legs, and he destroyed it. "I did not realise that he was only given a yellow card. The injury was so severe, I had to wait a fortnight before I could have an operation. An inflammation laid me low. "The doctors said they expected gangrene to set into my knee, and they told me there was a major risk of me never playing football again. Luckily the operation went very well, and that danger has now been ruled out. "But I have no feeling in my left foot, and it will only come back once they have operated on my ligaments on Friday. However, the doctors have told me that my rehabilitation process is going to be pretty painful." Fernandez had rediscovered his best form with Kilmarnock after disappointing spells at Dundee United and Celtic and the injury could not have come at a worst time. However, his torment has been eased in part by Celtic fans bombarding him with "get well soon" messages. "The Celtic fans have been writing me letters, apologising for the incident," he said. "I have received a whole heap of them."