Bernard Mensah is staying positive that the horror tackle that ended his involvement in Braintree Town’s Skrill Premier game against Lincoln City won’t bring a premature close to his time at the Iron.

The Watford striker is due to be at the Amlin Stadium on loan until the end of the season, but a tackle from the Imps’ Tom Miller during Lincoln’s 2-0 win on Tuesday – described by Iron boss Alan Devonshire as “horrendous” and “scandalous” – saw the Hornets youngster limp off.

He left the ground on crutches with a suspected dislocated kneecap and was due to see the Watford club doctor yesterday, with a scan on his knee due to be done today.

Devonshire said he would be surprised to see Mensah back in action this season, but the loanee was hopeful that he could return to Braintree, even if it may not be for tomorrow’s visit by Aldershot Town to the Amlin Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Mensah said: “It’s sore, but it’s happened before and as soon as it happened I knew what it was.

“I did it on my other leg in a youth team game two years ago at Watford.

“That was on my left side, this time it’s my right.

“It wouldn’t go back in that time and I ended up having to have surgery on it, but I know what it is and hopefully it’s not as bad as last time.

“I’ll have a scan on it, but hopefully it will go back in OK."

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