BRYAN HUGHES admits the prospect of losing Jake Lawlor for the rest of the season is a huge blow.

Lawlor dislocated his shoulder in Saturday's 3-1 win over Braintree and is set to miss the promotion run-in.

"Jake was back in to see the doctors at the hospital, have another scan and see where he's at," said Hughes.

"He dislocated his shoulder which has been put back in place now. He went straight to the hospital once he came off.

"We will probably know a little bit more after he has had his appointment and we will just have to take it from there."

Lawlor, who has only missed one game since joining Wrexham from Salford City in September, is not expected to be available for the final four games of the season.

Although Hughes insists the player's welfare comes first, the Reds boss doesn't completely rule out Lawlor playing again.

"A dislocated shoulder can be quite nasty, especially with it being his first one," said Hughes.

"The recovery process, the longer you leave it the better it becomes and stops it from dislocating again.

"But once it has been put back in place, there is a risk that it can go again if he comes back in too soon.

"We will just have to monitor him over the next few weeks.

"Because of them reasons you can't rule him out and the type of character he is, he will probably want to play some part if he feels he can strap it up and get it done.

"We will have to judge that as and when."

Hughes says being without Lawlor is a big loss but feels Kieran Kennedy, who came off the substitutes bench against Braintree, is a more than able deputy.

"We have got good options there," added Hughes. "Jake has been great though, he has played every minute since I have been here so he is going to be a big loss to us with his presence and size.

"But Kieran come in and did a good job. We have got every faith in Kieran.

"He has done a fantastic job and is probably unfortunate to be out of the team because he has deputised at right-back and he has done a good job at centre-back.

"He is a good professional and it is great for us that we can call upon someone with his knowledge and experience to come in and fill-in for Jake."

There are three games tonight and Leyton Orient will reclaim top spot with at least a point against play-off contenders Eastleigh.

Fifth placed AFC Fylde go to Gateshead and Maidstone host Barnet.