SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell is fearing Taylor Moore will be out for 'a number of games' with the hamstring injury he sustained against Portsmouth tonight.

Moore hobbled off after an hour in this evening's Checkatrade Trophy defeat at Roots Hall.

And Blues boss Powell is concerned Moore will now be facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

"We've lost a main player, one who has been very good for us and now it looks like we will be without him for a number of games and weeks," said Powell.

"To be honest I haven’t spoken to the physios yet but it didn’t look great.

"Straight away Ben Clarkson said he had to come off and Taylor said he heard a tear.

"I really hope that’s not the case but that’s always the balance you face in this game.

"I didn’t pick Tim (Dieng) and Sam (Mantom) and you’re always worried you might lose someone and sods law we did.

"I’m really disappointed with that."

Moore is on loan at Blues from Bristol City and has made 25 appearances so far this season.

But the defender tweeted after the game that the injury was nothing serious.

Moore said: "Poor performance tonight. As a team we'll bounce back on Saturday. Gutted to have to come off. Thankfully it's nothing serious."