SOUTHEND United striker Tom Hopper had to be substituted after suffering a deep cut on his leg at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

Hopper fired the Shrimpers in front at the Memorial Stadium.

But Blues boss Sol Campbell confirmed there was no way the forward could have carried on.

“Tom has got a deep gash,” said Campbell.

“He will need stitches but he should be OK.

“It’s pretty deep but I thought Hopps was fantastic and it was a shame I had to take him off but the stud in his leg was just too deep.”

Hopper has now scored three goals in 11 appearances since returning from a cruciate ligament injury.

And the 25-year-old will now be hoping to be fit enough to face Rotherham United at Roots Hall on Saturday.