SOUTHEND United midfielder Lewis Gard suffered a serious looking knee injury towards the end of tonight’s 2-0 defeat at Colchester United.

Gard – who has shone for the Shrimpers’ under 23 team this season – was stretchered off just moments after entering the action as a substitution.

And Blues boss Chris Powell is hoping the 19-year-old will not have to suffer an extended spell on the side-lines.

“I’ve been sitting with young Lewis and he’s a bit high because he’s having gas and air but he’s not having a baby,” said Powell.

“I just hope it’s nothing serious but we will have to see if there’s any swelling when it settles down.

“It looks like its his knee and it looks like a real painful one.

“We’ve had one with Sam Barratt and I hope we don’t get another one like that.”