LIVERPOOL Harriers starlet Katarina Thompson has been dealt a shattering blow with a knee injury ending her season.

The 17-year-old heptathlete was expected to shine at the World Junior Championships in Canada later this month and was on course to earn selection to represent England at senior level in the Commonwealth Games in October.

However, those hopes now lie in tatters after she was diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy – a condition commonly known as jumpers knee.

Thompson, who is widely regarded as one of UK athletics’ most exciting talents, is undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme to repair the damaged patella tendon in her left knee and will make a full recovery.

But her return to the track will come too late for her to be considered for either of the two major championships she was targeting this year.

“It’s a massive disappointment and I felt pretty down when I found out because this was a big year for me,” she said. “The plan was to go to the World Juniors, do well there and get the points needed for the Commonwealths.

“The pain started a few weeks before the Loughborough International but then it settled down so I competed. My knee really hurt after hitting a hurdle so I went to see the physios and I could tell from their reaction that it was serious.

“They sent me for a scan which confirmed the problem. It’s a common injury among jumpers and squash players and it’s caused by the impact you put on your knee. I’ve been told I’m out for the season but I’m lucky it was caught early.

“If it had been left untreated it could have ruptured and I’d need surgery and be out for even longer.”

The Halewood youngster’s rehab has been boosted by the support she receives from the Wells Sports Foundation.

The founder, Bootle-born entrepreneur Barrie Wells, has been paying for her to see top physio Alison Rose, who has treated the likes of Kelly Holmes and Jessica Ennis.