Hornets striker Bernard Mensah is due to have a scan today on a knee injury suffered from a tackle described as “scandalous” by Braintree Town manager Alan Devonshire.

Mensah, who joined the Conference Premier side on loan in January, was taken to hospital on Tuesday night after a challenge from Lincoln City’s Tom Miller for which he was subsequently booked.

Braintree lost the match 2-0 and after the game Irons boss Alan Devonshire was seething about the challenge.

“It’s a scandalous tackle and [we're talking about] a young kid’s career. I’m sorry, I’m fuming about it,” Devonshire told BBC Essex.

“It’s near enough broken the kid’s leg. I’ve got a kid now being taken to hospital.”

He continued: “The football match doesn’t matter to me. We lost a game, that doesn’t matter to me.

“That boy’s career is more important. A tackle like that is horrendous. There is no room for it in football.

“And until referees start protecting people this will carry on, especially at this level.”

Miller later stressed on Twitter he didn't intend to injury Mensah.

He wrote: “Hope the Braintree lad is fine! I never would intend to hurt anyone. I wear my heart on my sleeve.”

Mensah, who made his first-team debut for Watford in November, was remaining positive on Wednesday evening.

He tweeted: “Thanks for all the messages guys! Thinking positive! Don't know the extent of the injury yet! But keeping positive! Thanks again.”

Since arriving at Braintree, the 19-year-old has scored two goals in nine appearances.