INJURY-PLAGUED midfielder Luke Hyam suffered another hamstring problem during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Rochdale.

The 27-year-old has been restricted to just 10 League starts this season.

And Blues boss Kevin Bond was frustrated at Hyam having to hobble off after just 14 minutes at the weekend.

“I brought Luke Hyam back and it’s hugely frustrating he got injured,” said Bond.

“It’s his hamstring and he just hasn’t played anywhere near the number of games he should have done or would like to.

“He’s played 11 or 12 and seems to be struggling with niggles so he can’t get a run of games going.

“He did really well at Fleetwood but he wasn’t fit for the next game and had to miss out.”

However, Hyam returned to the starting line-up in place of Dru Yearwood on Saturday.

And Bond almost brought him back against Burton.

“I was tempted to play him against Burton but he suffers with injuries so I didn’t want to play him and then have to make an early change,” said Bond.

“I thought I’d start him on Saturday but he just couldn’t do it.

“He was given the all clear and was chomping at the bit for Monday’s game too.”

Hyam was replaced in the centre of the park by Timothee Dieng.

But the Frenchman was taken off himself on the hour mark after his wayward backpass led to a corner from which Rochdale scored the only goal of the game.

>Blues’ youth team triumphed 2-1 against Oxford United on Saturday, with striker Matt Rush bagging a brace at Boots & Laces.