Mansfield Town

Jennings has been in tremendous form at left-back after signing from Cambridge United two months ago.  

But he will now have to watch the rest of a gripping season from the sidelines after scans have revealed that he tore a hamstring during the second half of Tuesday’s 1-0 win against Nuneaton.

Cox hinted at this morning’s press meeting that he may use Ritchie Sutton or George Pilkington in that position – but the pair are not natural left-backs – and Cox is also cautious about the temporary possibility of losing Lee Beevers, who is two yellow cards away from a two match ban.

“The reports we’ve had from the physio (Simon Murphy) are saying that it’s quite a bad one, it’s quite a bad tear,” said Cox, speaking on Jennings’ injury.

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“It’s looking unlikely that he’ll compete again this season.  We’re not ruling him though.  Knowing ‘JJ’ as I do, he’s a little warrior.  He’ll want to be back before for the season ends but we have to look at the best and worst case scenarios.

“I can tell why he’s had a captain’s armband at the other clubs he has been at.  He’s a true professional.  His performances have been nothing short of excellent."

Cox has until 5pm today to bring in a player on an emergency loan and can also sign players who are out-of-contract.

“We’ve not ruled out bringing someone in.  Obviously we have people like Beevs (Lee Beevers), Sutts (Ritchie Sutton) who have filled in there and I’ve played Pilks (George Pilkington) in there in the reserves too.

“I want to make sure what we do is totally professional and that we cover all bases.  We’ve spoken to a couple of players over the last 24 hours.  What will come of it, I’m not sure – we’ll know more by mid-day.

“I want to bring someone in who is as good as, if not better, than what we have got. The players I’ve spoken to have played at the top end of this table and at league football.”