WANDERERS have confirmed the worst after scans showed full-back Kevin McNaughton fractured his right leg in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Reading.

The on-loan Scottish defender was stretchered off after just 10 minutes against the Royals after catching a stray boot from Jonathan Obita.

It was McNaughton’s first start since October but the injury now leaves him facing an uncertain future with his contract at Cardiff City due to expire in July.

The 32-year-old managed just nine appearances this season for the Whites after signing for a second loan spell in the summer under Dougie Freedman.

A hamstring injury kept him out until the New Year, after which Neil Lennon voiced concerns over his conditioning – but a fine cameo from the bench against Brighton last weekend appeared to open the door to a fresh start.

Wanderers also confirmed Zach Clough would be out for the rest of the season after dislocating his shoulder.

The prodigious striker, who turns 20 on Sunday, currently tops the club’s scoring charts with six goals.

It is not yet known whether he will be fully fit to return in pre-season.

Meanwhile the chances of David Wheater playing again this season look slim after the big defender was confirmed to have a hamstring strain which will keep him out for at least eight weeks.

That prognosis would put him back in action in late April but with Wanderers due to play their final game of the campaign against Birmingham City on May 2, it would be a surprise to see the 28-year-old feature again.