Cameron to have scan before Flitcroft makes decision on defender's future

The Stags are desperate to sign a central defender, with two already out injured long term, but Cameron’s hopes of filling that role were rocked when he limped off against Derby in midweek.

But manager David Flitcroft is chasing up other options and has more talks with some this week.

“Nathan is going for a scan tomorrow, which is the earliest we could get one,” said Fltcroft.

“It is a different injury to the ones he had previously.

“It is one where it started halfway up his leg and it’s tracked up towards his knee now.

“We have let it settle down, now we’ll get it scanned and see where we are at with it.”

At the same time, Mansfield are exploring other avenues.

“We need to bring the right centre half in and while we have had Nathan here I have been looking at other possibilities. It is a priority,” he said.

“The loan market is now loosening off and available.

“We have spoken to some agents and we’re meeting a couple of them again this week – lads that have held on a bit over the period and now are worried about getting football for next season.

“The biggest problem is having Zander Diamond and David Mirfin in the squad with long terms injuries.”

However, there have been bonuses.

Flitcroft said: “We have had to play Hayden White as a right-sided centre half and I think he’s been fantastic at it. He has been consistent and gives teams problems going forward.

“And Matty Preston has made a massive difference in the middle. He has incredible recovery pace and I am delighted how the back five are working.”