Brentford manager Uwe Rosler fears club captain Kevin O’Connor is facing a long spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off during the FA Cup win against Basingstoke.
Sam Saunders’ early free-kick was enough to take Rosler’s side into the second round but the victory was marred by the injury to O’Connor, who crumpled to the floor in agony after appearing to catch his foot in the turf.
The midfielder was expected to go to hospital for tests on Saturday evening and Brentford are anxiously waiting for news on his condition.
“When he goes off on a stretcher it’s definitely not good news. I feel we have to expect a long lay-off for him,” said Rosler.
“It’s too early to say what he has, but when he goes off on a stretcher you think it must be something serious. He was probably the last person we’d wish to lose in a game like that.”
Brentford, who looked reasonably comfortable until O’Connor suffered his injury on the stroke of half-time, struggled in the second period.
They had to survive a spell of sustained pressure and were relieved to hear the final whistle.
“It’s a big relief. All credit to Basingstoke, who made their fans proud – especially in the second half,” Rosler admitted.
“Our running capacity was not up to the normal standard and in midfield they picked up more balls than our guys.
“In saying that, we knew that in the FA Cup teams can play above their usual potential. Sometimes you have to accept when you’ve been in a difficult game.
“The main thing is that we’re in the next round and, when we’re preparing for that, people won’t be asking about the last round.”
This post was last modified on 14/11/2011