BLUES winger Stephen McLaughlin left Glanford Park on crutches after suffering an ankle injury during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe United.

McLaughlin suffered the setback early on and was eventually substituted after just 13 minutes.

But boss Phil Brown does not yet know the seriousness of the setback “Stephen has an ankle problem and after a while he couldn’t put his foot down so he had to come off,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“He’s on crutches at the moment but we’ll have to see how it settles down.”

However, McLaughlin’s injury enabled David Worrall an opportunity to impress.

And Brown was full of praise for the winger.

“Dave Worrall was a revelation,” said Brown.

“He grabbed everyone’s attention and was a real thorn in Scunthorpe’s side until their substitution changed things.

“He’s certainly earned his shirt now.”

But midfielder Michael Timlin will lose his for Wednesday’s clash with Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Timlin picked up his fifth booking of the season during Saturday’s game and will now serve a one match suspension.