Jon Worsnop has been fitted for a protective mask after fracturing two bones in his cheek during the goalless FA Cup draw at Barnsley.

Worsnop, 31, collided with Brad Abbott in the fifth minute when collecting the ball, losing a tooth in the process.

He remained on the field after an assessment from the doctor and made a string of saves as the Blues almost pulled off another shock.

Worsnop went straight to hospital after the game, where his fractures were confirmed but to his relief was told he did not require an operation.

Specialists advised him he could continue playing with protection and hopes to feature in the FA Trophy first round at AFC Telford United on Saturday (3pm).

Worsnop thinks the Blues were unfortunate not to get the win at Barnsley and was full of praise for his back four.

“We’ve got a good set of lads, we believe in ourselves and we said at the start of the game we can match them,” said Worsnop.

“I was happy with the performance and I thought we could have gone on and nicked it. I thought we had the better of the chances to be honest.

“They caused us no real problems at the back. Yeah there were a few saves but it was only because the game was so open and we were attacking.

“If you were a neutral and you didn’t know the teams, you’d probably say we were the Division One team and they were the Conference team.

“After the Nuneaton game I was really critical of the lads and they said ‘look Jon who were a bit harsh on us’ but they’ve reacted and I had to get the message across.

“It’s no coincidence we’ve had two clean sheets on the bounce and sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone just to get a reaction and the lads have been brilliant.

“I wasn’t the most popular after that but I wanted a reaction from the lads because I love them.”

Worsnop had a difficult start to the season but has won over the fans and had a special mention for the 2,000 plus at Oakwell.

Worsnop said: “Home and away, they are always outstanding.

“They’re brilliant, they get behind the lads and like I keep saying they’re our 12th man.

“When you need a performance and need to dig deep, they start singing away and it does lift you.”