BLOOD-SPLATTERED Josh Cullen says he was urged by West Ham United coach Stuart Pearce to go back onto the pitch without shorts after he lost a tooth against Shrewsbury Town.

The Westcliff-born midfielder, who was making his first appearance in claret and blue since returning from a loan spell with Championship side Bolton Wanderers, had a front tooth knocked out in the goalless FA Cup third round draw.

Cullen received a high boot to the face by Shrews captain Abu Ogogo with 15 minutes to play, which resulted in the 10,000-strong crowd and live television audience of millions collectively wincing as his tooth flew through the air and landed on the Montgomery Waters Meadow turf.

The former St Thomas More High School pupil re-entered the fray wearing a change of shorts, after his original pair had been bloodied from the incident, and was taken to hospital straight after the final whistle.

But former England international full-back Pearce encouraged Cullen to go back onto the pitch in just his pants due to the long wait for a new pair of shorts.

Cullen said: “The Doc (Richard Weiler) found the tooth and put it in a cup of milk as the calcium in there helps to keep the tooth alive and as healthy as possible.

“A member of the Shrewsbury groundstaff took me to hospital straight after the final whistle, so I’d like to thank them, as well as the medical staff at the hospital for being top-class when I got there.

“They put the tooth back in and fitted me with a little brace to keep it in place, so I haven’t got a gap, even though I saw Nobes (West Ham captain Mark Noble) tweeted ‘Mind the gap’ during the game!

“When I went off and after I’d had treatment, I was waiting for the kit man to get me a new pair of number 33 shorts from the dressing room and Stuart Pearce was encouraging me to go back on in my pants!

“He’s not the sort of guy you normally say ‘no’ to, but the fourth official put his arm across and wouldn’t let me.”

The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Bradford City, will undergo root canal treatment to repair the damage next week.

In the meantime, and for a period after the surgery, Cullen will wear a gumshield to prevent further injury.

Cullen added: “My lip is a bit swollen and that’s the sorest part.

“The teeth are throbbing a bit, but I’m on painkillers so it’s not too bad, and I just want to get back to playing football."