Parkinson: Embleton injury was not serious – Neil was excellent
Phil Parkinson is hopeful that Elliot Embleton has avoided a serious injury after his early withdrawal in the 3-1 win over Gateshead.
Embleton was playing his first game since September last year, after suffering two serious hamstring injuries.
Parkinson says the issue was merely a tight thigh.
The attacking midfielder is unlikely to face Carlisle United in the club’s next friendly on Tuesday, but is equally unlikely to be sidelined for long.
“Elliot's thigh is just a bit tight,” Parkinson said.
“At this stage we don't want to take any risks, it's nothing serious.
“It's a shame for him as it's his first game for a long time and he's done well in pre-season.
“He'll be disappointed, but the good news thing is it isn't his hamstring.
“When he first went down I thought, 'please, dear me'.
"But it was just a bit of tightness in his thigh.”
Parkinson was also quick to praise Dan Neil, who came on in Embleton’s place and looked composed in posession throughout.
Neil also handled a move to wing-back well, as Parkinson managed his options in the closing stages.
“Tuesday might come too soon for Elliot and I've got to say, Dan Neil came on and was excellent,” he said.
“He's been another standout in pre-season so far with his footballing ability and did well today, just like Jack Diamond [who produced an assist for Will Grigg’s goal].”
Jake Hackett was another youngster to get minutes under his belt with a late appearance.