YOUNG Wanderers defender Cian Bolger has returned to the club for treatment after picking up an injury on his Southend debut on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international moved to Roots Hall on Friday on a one-month loan deal.

He made his debut at York the following day but picked up an ankle ligament injury 11 minutes from time and is now back at Wanderers to have it assessed amid fears he could be sidelined for two months.

It is a blow for the 21-year-old, who joined from Leicester City in January 2013 and has previously spent time out at Colchester this season.

He has played regularly for the Whites U21s but is yet to make a first-team appearance.

It is understood his loan remains in place, depending on the outcome of his medical assessment.

Shrimpers boss, and former Wanderer, Phil Brown is disappointed to lose the centre-back so soon after his arrival.

He said: “We’ve not had much luck bringing in defensive loanees this season, having lost Luke O’Neill already after just one game.

“Now Cian has also had to go back because of the ankle injury he picked up, and he could be out for just as long.

“It’s frustrating because he did really well on Saturday, but took a knock to the head too with a cut just below his eye.

“There’s not much that we can do, but we thank him for his efforts on Saturday after spending just an hour with his teammates.”

Meanwhile, another youngster who left on loan on friday, Sanmi Odelusi, made his MK Dons debut late on off the bench in their 1-0 defeat at Bradford City.

Conor Wilkinson played the full 90 minutes for Torquay United in their 1-0 home loss to Accrington Stanley, while Tom Eaves helped Shrewsbury Town to a 3-2 win at Notts County in League One.

Craig Davies started in Preston’s 2-1 triumph at Colchester United, but Marvin Sordell and Keith Andrews were not involved for Charlton or Brighton at the weekend.