JAMES Hanson’s injury could force City into a late dash into the emergency loan market.

Head physio Matt Barrass will have another look at the striker’s damaged ankle ligaments today.

It is not thought to be a serious problem but any further bad news will leave Phil Parkinson seriously considering a short-term back-up before next week’s deadline.

The window shuts on Thursday until the New Year and City are already missing Hanson’s natural replacement Steve Davies with a knee injury.

Parkinson said: “I don’t think it’s a major injury but Matt wants to look at it again. It’s nothing long term but there is a slight problem there that needs to be checked before we know more.”

Hanson’s injury, which forced him off just before the hour mark of Wednesday’s FA Cup win over Aldershot, is the latest in a catalogue of blows that City have had to ride so far.

James Meredith damaged his foot on international duty for Australia and Reece Burke will also miss tomorrow’s game at Scunthorpe with the slight medial ligament strain he suffered in training earlier in the week.

Meredith came off in the second half in Bangladesh on Tuesday in a lot of pain. It is the same foot he broke earlier in his City career.

Parkinson admitted: “We’ve probably had to use more players than we would have liked at this stage because of the horrific injuries we’ve had. But Billy Clarke being back and Josh Morris being on the bench again the other night is a huge lift for us.”

Greg Leigh, who scored that sensational first goal against the Shots, and Nathan Clarke will continue to deputise at the back at Glanford Park. But Parkinson will have to devise a plan to work round the absence of a natural targetman up front.

“That’s what a squad is for,” he added. "We always say that every player we sign is capable of playing in the team and I stand by that.

“I’ve got every confidence in the lads. You look at Chris Routis, if we had to play him at the back or centre mid, or right wing or right back I’d have no problem at all.

“You need that throughout the season.”

With no Hanson, City’s eight-match unbeaten run will be put to the test by a Scunthorpe side who have won their last four at home.

Parkinson believes the travelling army could have a significant part to play in maintaining the momentum. Over 1,000 tickets had been sold by the middle of the week and City can expect a large and boisterous following.

He added: “It’s one hell of a game for us and I really do feel that when we go away from home with that big following it does make a difference.

“The supporters are going to be absolutely crucial. I think they’ll understand the lads have had two tough games this week and will need every bit of support they can get.

“With the run we’ve been on, they can help us to play with the intensity of the home team by getting the place really bouncing.

“I’m sure the crowd will get right behind the lads from the moment they come out for the warm-up and make it feel like a real home atmosphere.”

Mark Robins’ side started the campaign poorly and were in the League One drop zone at the end of September. But the Iron have won six of the eight games since to move into the top half.

Parkinson said: “We’re going to meet a real form team. They’ve got a very experienced manager and a lot of experience in the team.

“We’ve got to utilise the squad to pick the team which is ready to give ourselves the best chance of keeping our run going.

“Confidence levels are obviously high but, as always with us, the key is the work ethic within the team and we want to keep that there.”