Crusaders manager Declan Caddell admits the injury picked up by talisman Fraser Bryden in Saturday’s 4-2 Premiership defeat to Larne “doesn’t look good” after the Scottish striker was stretchered off at Seaview.

Bryden has enjoyed a superb maiden Irish League campaign after joining the Crues during the summer and brought his Premiership goal tally to 17 for the season with a stunning volley which levelled proceedings at 2-2.

However, in his pursuit of finding another from a dangerous free-kick delivery, Bryden collided heavily with the post and was treated for around 10 minutes on the pitch by medical staff from both teams before being carried off in the second half.

The 21-year-old was transported to hospital with what is feared to be a serious leg injury and Caddell admits losing their key man had an impact on his team-mates.

placeholder image — Crusaders striker Fraser Bryden is stretchered off. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

"I think it's leg and I don't think it's good, that's the easiest way I can put it,” said Caddell. “I'll call down (to the hospital) on the way home and see how he is, but it doesn't look good.

"It’s sad because he's been colossal for us this season, he's been exceptional. He's got the reviews that he's deserved and he scored a wonder goal today before his injury.

"My thoughts are on Fraser's well-being and the severity of what's happened.

"It is (his hunger) and that's him all over. He fights for every ball, chases every ball, puts his body on the line even when it hurts. Unfortunately it hasn't ended well today, it's disappointing.

"I thought we had Larne against the ropes up until that and then it deflated the team, which is understandable.

"Fraser's a great character. He's been brilliant to work with, brilliant with his team-mates. He's really well loved by his team-mates.

"He's a popular figure in the changing room. We lose someone like that and a talisman, as he's been this season, it does knock the stuffing out of you a wee bit...we didn’t recover.”

With the transfer window closing in a matter of days, Caddell will now potentially be in a race against time to somehow find a replacement for prolific Bryden.

"Business is never done until that window closes,” he added. “Obviously centre-forward wasn't something I was looking for, but it may be now.

“We'll see the severity of what Fraser's done and where he sits, but as I said, it isn't good.”