SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is hoping Dan Mooney’s injury is not as bad first feared.

The Shrimpers midfielder was stretchered off in the 84th minute of this afternoon’s 2-2 draw with Altrincham.

And, despite not yet knowing the full extent of the setback, Maher is keeping his fingers crossed it is not as serious as it looked.

“I hate saying too much too early because I’m no expert,” said Maher.

“I’ve seen him in there and hopefully it’s not as bad as being stretchered off eludes to.

“Fingers crossed it’s not as bad as feared.”

Mooney featured just behind Chris Wreh in attack against Altrincham.

But he will now be joining Shrimpers strikers Callum Powell, Rhys Murphy, Harry Cardwell and Jake Hyde on the sidelines.

“We already have four strikers out and there isn’t a side in this division who wouldn’t be affected by that,” said Maher.

“It’s something we have to deal with and for us to be well set in the play-offs is testament to the players who have played and the work going on around the place.

“To be where we are after the injuries and all the stuff that goes on is credit to absolutely everyone around the place.”

And Maher added Powell and Cardwell were closest to making a return.

“Powelly and Cards will be the closer ones to coming back so we will see how they are next week,” he added.