SOUTHEND United midfielder Dru Yearwood was forced off after just half an hour of Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Blackpool at Roots Hall.

But Blues boss Chris Powell is hopeful the influential 18-year-old will not be out of action for too long.

"Dru took a bang on his hip and it was just too sore for him to continue," said Powell.

"Fingers crossed he will be back soon."

Yearwood missed the first 11 games of the season with a hamstring injury and is now likely to face a race against time to be fit for Tuesday night's first rounf FA Cup replay at Crawley Town.