DEAN Gerken was left 'devastated' after being forced off in Colchester United's 3-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Shamal George after suffering what is understood to be a back injury, at the New Lawn.

It was a frustrating experience for the U's shot-stopper, who was making his 200th appearance for the club.

U's interim first-team coach Wayne Brown said: “Dean’s devastated.

“I don’t know the extent of the injury yet but we will assess him.

“It looks like he’s going to struggle and it’s something that we need to look at, going forwards."

Colchester midfielder Ben Stevenson is set to undergo a scan today after suffering an injury in the defeat against Exeter City, last week.

Stevenson missed the U's defeat at Forest Green with the injury and is set to also sit out their home clash with Carlisle United, tomorrow night.

Brown said: “We’re assessing Ben’s injury and he’s going to get a scan on Monday, to see the extent of the injury.

“We’ll then know a little bit more as to how long he’s going to be out for.

“He felt it in the last game and reported the day after the game, saying he was sore.

“It’ll be interesting to see the extent of the injury."

Meanwhile, Brown has praised Junior Tchamadeu after playing the teenager in an unfamiliar midfield role at Forest Green.

The 17-year-old was deployed in an advanced role on the right flank for the U's, in what was only his third senior start for the club.

Brown added: “Junior has got plenty of energy.

“He’s a defensively-minded player as well but he gives you that energy and enthusiasm and responsibility.

“He’s a young kid but he’s got a hell of a chance, with the head that he’s got on his shoulders.

“It was important that we felt that he was the best person for that position on the pitch and I thought he did well, to be fair.

“Young Harvey (Sayer) who came on for the last 15 minutes put some great balls into the box."