MARC-ANTOINE Fortune’s hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared.

The Southend United striker went off injured 20 minutes from time at MK Dons on Tuesday night.

But Blues boss Phil Brown is hopeful the Frenchman will not be spending too long on the sidelines.

“When it first happened we thought Marco had pulled his hamstring, but he came in yesterday morning and it didn’t seem quite so bad,” said Brown.

“We’re hopeful that Marco came off before it got too bad and that it was just a little bit of cramp.

“He will continue to be treated but whether or not he will be fit in time to play against Oxford at the weekend I’m not sure.”

Fortune - who has scored just once in 17 appearances so far this season - returned to the starting line-up for the midweek draw at MK Dons, but he was not the only player to come off injured.

Stephen McLaughlin also had to be substituted, along with Michael Kightly, who had to have four stitches after suffering a cut on his face.

“Macca was feeling tight around the groin and hamstring area and it’s probably just down to him being back in the team and the extra running which obviously comes with that,” said Brown.

“That’s nobody’s fault but my own but I can only pick 11 players.

“It was good to see him get the goal but it was a shame he couldn’t take the second opportunity just before half-time.

“Fingers crossed he’ll be OK for Saturday and I’m staying positive where the injuries are concerned.”

But Brown expects Kightly to be fit to face Oxford.

“Michael had a few stitches and he’s looking like a hardened midfielder now but he’ll be fine for Saturday,” said Brown.

“He’s so committed to what we’re trying to do and he was at the heart of a lot of our good play at MK Dons.”

Tuesday’s draw also saw Amadou Ba make his League debut as a second half substitute, while 19-year-old striker Norman Wabo was selected on the bench at the expense of Theo Robinson.

Brown added: “I wanted to give Norman and Amadou an opportunity on the bench. I almost started Amadou but went with experience in the end.”