Blues winger Craig  Mahon hopes he will be back in action sooner rather than later after being injured in the 2-2 draw with Southport on Tuesday.

He suffered a suspected broken collarbone in the second half but struggled through to the end of the game.

Team-mate Martin Fearon drove the 24-year-old to hospital near his home in Wigan and doctors ruled out collarbone damage but feared he had dislocated his shoulder.

Mahon was relieved when X-rays showed there was no serious injury and although  still in discomfort he hopes to be fit enough to return to training soon.

Mahon said: “The doctors at the club thought I might have broken my collarbone so I went to A&E in Wigan after the game.

“I was in there for three hours and had X-rays and painkillers but eventually the doctors said there was no break or fracture.

“They think it might be ligament damage and that would be a week or so out but if I’m really lucky and it was just a heavy bang then it could be four or five days.”

Mahon has established himself as a key man under Steve Burr and gave  another excellent performance against Southport.

His speed and skill gave right back Kellen Daly nightmares and Mahon crowed his man of the match display with a wonderful goal three minutes into the second half.

He said: “Before the game the gaffer told me to have a few more shots and he’s been telling me to take some more chances.

“I brought the ball down and took on a few players and thought I’ll hit this and luckily I caught the ball sweet.”

Mahon’s strike put the Blues into a 2-0 lead but a physical Southport side became increasingly combative as the game wore on.

Centre back Matty Brown left the field with a broken nose and midfielder Jason Jarrett dropped into defence.

Sandgrounders pair  Jason Walker and Karl Ledsham were both booked for fouling Mahon. He  hurt himself on landing but with the Blues having made three subs already had to battle on to the end.

Mahon said: “I got tripped up and landed awkwardly on my shoulder

“I couldn’t move my right arm and was in a lot of pain but I knew we had no subs left.

“I thought I was better being on the pitch where I might be able to do something than off the pitch where I couldn’t do anything.

“I would’ve loved to have the ball more because we wanted to win but I couldn’t really do much because I was in so much pain.

“Jason had been different class in midfield and he did a great job at the back but I think we lost some shape when we had to make the change.

“You can’t question the effort of the lads. We just kept going and I think the might be really important at the end of the season.”

Mahon will almost certainly miss the trip to Luton Town on Saturday but had not ruled out being fit for the must-win home game with Tamworth on Tuesday (7.45pm).

 He said: “It’s  sore and I can’t move my right arm but I will resting and icing it and taking  ibuprofen to get back as quick as I can.”