Sean Gleeson could lose eye following savage street attack by three men

Sean Gleeson (second left) was set upon by three men outside a bar in Wigan (Getty Images)

Hull KR centre Sean Gleeson may lose an eye after he was attacked outside a nightclub at the weekend. The 26-year-old was punched in the face a number of times following a row with three men in Wigan.

Gleeson, who has yet to play this season after suffering a broken leg at the club’s warm-weather training camp, is recovering in hospital after the attack in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He suffered serious injuries to his eye and eye socket and was taken to hospital. Gleeson became involved in a fight with one of the men outside the Ibiza Bar in King Street and the others joined in before they left the Rovers player in the road. Police have released CCTV images of three men they would like to speak to in connection with the assault, which took place at about 4am.

Wigan-born Gleeson signed for Rovers last year but has suffered a string of injury problems and only managed to play six games last year. He previously played for Salford, Wakefield, Widnes and Wigan, and has represented Ireland.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Millington, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “A young man has been left with serious, potentially life-changing, injuries as he could lose his eye.

“If anyone was there that night and saw the assault, or if you know something that might be relevant to our investigation, I would urge them to get in contact with police.”