PAUL and Rob Birkett are true footballing brothers in arms!

Not only do they play as centre halves for AFC Ramsbottom but both broke the same bones in their left wrist in separate matches just seven days apart.

In a further twist, both men were treated in the same ward at Fairfield General Hospital.

Paul (28) is team captain and suffered his broken wrist in a challenge against Bromley Cross in the second division of the Lancashire Amateur League on September 23. He spent six days in hospital following surgery to pin the bones in his wrist and forearm. He is now out of action for up to four months.

Just one week later, younger brother Rob suffered the exact same injury in a freak fall during a game against Rochdale St Clements, and spent four days in Ward 8 recovering from his injury. It is not yet known whether he will also have to have pins inserted to help the ulna and radius bones mend.

The brothers expect to have their arms in plaster for several more weeks to come.

Rob (24), of Stanford Crescent, Ramsbottom, said: "We have played for AFC Ramsbottom for the past two years.

"Paul had only just been released from hospital after breaking his arm when I fell and broke mine. I knew straight away I had broken my wrist because I heard it snap. When we tell people what has happened they find it totally unbelievable."

AFC Ramsbottom manager Kevin Rafferty said the brothers had a good partnership as centre halves and the team would struggle to get cover for their positions during the next few months.

He added: " No-one could have predicted such a turn of events, least of all Paul and Rob's parents, who became regular visitors to Ward 8 at Fairfield General Hospital!"

Paul, of Albert Street, Ramsbottom, and Rob are now taking a more active role in the club's administration during their time on the sidelines.