SCUNTHORPE United have had to put on hold their chase for a Premier League youngster – because of injury.

Manager Ian Baraclough was hoping to have full-back Ben Gordon on loan from Chelsea in time to make his debut in tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Everton.

The 19-year-old defender was called back from his loan spell at Kilmarnock this week to come to Glanford Park on loan.

"We have had something in place for the last three or four weeks," the United boss confirmed.

"We were praying that something did not happen between then and now.

"He came off in the 89th minute of his final loan game.

"I assumed it was to get the applause of the fans because he had done so well there.

"But he has gone back to his parent club where he has had a scan for an injury he has picked up.

"It is going to keep him out for a few weeks.

"But I have been told when he if fit again, then we can still bring him here on loan for the rest of the season."

While Baraclough bemoaned his bad luck with that deal, he is still pursuing permanent ones.

"We do have some bids in place but they have not progressed far enough yet for us to talk to the players concerned," he said.

"But yes, I would like to strengthen the squad as quickly as I can and not be left scrambling around towards the end of the month."