BLACKPOOL boss Steve Bruce revealed his concern that Saints youngster Dom Ballard "popped his shoulder" during their 2-0 win over Huddersfield on Tuesday evening.

Ballard, 19, was forced off on 53 minutes after initially trying to continue with a strapped shoulder. 

Bruce admitted it was "cruel" for Ballard to suffer an injury blow having played a key role since the former Premier League boss took over.

Ballard suffered a long-term knee injury last season which cut his time at Reading short after making a fast start in League One.

The Saints academy graduate has already scored for Blackpool in a 4-4 draw with Cambridge United at the same ground he netted his maiden senior goal.

Bruce said: “Our biggest concern is Dom Ballard - we think he’s popped his shoulder, which is cruel on him and us because he’s been integral to what we’ve done.

“He’ll be x-rayed and scanned so let’s hope it’s not too serious. We strapped it up to see how he got on.

"It was obvious very early that he was carrying his left arm so we did the best thing and took him off.

“He was upset, which you would be. Injuries are horrible things as a footballer especially when you’re young.”