United boss Russ Wilcox confirmed on Tuesday evening that Dave Syers will miss the entirety of the season through injury.
The Iron's goalscoring midfielder collided with a Swindon Town defender inside the first few minutes of the season opener at the County Ground, sustaining serious damage to both his knee ligaments and hamstring.Wilcox spoke after the 1-0 win at Ewood Park against Championship side Blackburn Rovers which followed Syers' scan earlier that afternoon, saying "It's a season-ending injury for Dave Syers.
"It's shocking news. It's devastating for him and the football club.
"He's going to be out for the season. It shocked us all before the game. I didn't tell the players though.
"It's such a shame for Dave, he's made a great contribution to us last season by scoring ten goals and putting in some outstanding performances.
"He's going to be a big loss for us as a football club.
"It's outside of his knee. He went into a challenge and moved his knee in both directions.
"It tore the ligaments of his knee and also his hamstring.
"We all know his contribution last season and it's a devastating blow for the lad and us.
"We've had discussions before today as I expected the worst. It was certainly not going to be a short-term injury.
"I'm devastated that it is going to be that long but we have to make a move because we're a little short in there.
"We have Neal Bishop and Sean McAllister, and Matt Sparrow who has had an outstanding pre-season.
"With lots of games coming thick and fast, we have to make sure we get a few more numbers in the building."