WANDERERS have been plunged into a striker crisis after losing two key players to injury.

Joe Mason could be missing for up to three months with a torn hamstring while Max Clayton was stretchered off the pitch in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Ipswich Town with what is feared could be knee ligament damage.

Youngster Clayton, who played in a central striker role for the first time against the Tractor Boys, will undergo a scan today to determine the extent of the damage but will certainly be ruled out of Friday’s trip to Millwall.

With Craig Davies still fighting back from a hamstring strain of his own, Neil Lennon admits he is worried at the lack of attacking players he has at his disposal.

“I have got two centre-forwards out at the moment so it’s a real concern to me,” he told The Bolton News.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed the scan comes back with positive results for Max. He felt his knee twist, we hope it isn’t too bad.

“At the minute we’re hanging on, in terms of players, so it was pleasing to get Eidur in.

“We may have to get another body in – see what Heskey is doing – and I’ll chat with him when he gets back.

“It definitely is a concern because centre-forward is the most important position.”

Mason’s injury raises serious doubt about whether he will play against for Wanderers.

Cardiff City boss Russell Slade had already indicated he wanted to take a closer look at the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 and sources in South Wales claimed they were looking into recalling him next month.

Lennon has denied any contact has been made but with Mason now sidelined until March it now looks likely he will return to the Bluebirds.

On top of his striker problems, the Wanderers boss will also have to check on Darren Pratley, who came off in the second half against Ipswich with minor concussion, and Josh Vela who has been laid low with flu.

But in a defensive sense, Lennon could hardly be more pleased having registered a third successive clean sheet – the first time a Bolton side has accomplished that feat since February 2008.

“Their recovery is great – Ream defensively is very good, Mills and Dervite, I’d like to see us use the ball a little better from the back at times but I can’t have everything,” he said.

“The goalkeeper is playing well so they are in a good place at the moment.”