David Jeffrey has admitted he is “hoping for the best but preparing for the worst” as he awaits news about Glenn Ferguson’s knee injury.

The 39-year-old striker was carried off with a knee injury during the 3-0 Boxing Day win over Glentoran.

If the diagnosis is a cruciate injury, it is likely to spell the end of the legend’s career.

“We will know the results of the scan tomorrow,” said Jeffrey last night.

“We have been down this road before with Winkie Murphy, Phil Charnock and Davy Larmour and you can’t draw any quick conclusions.

“There is also the danger that hopes are allowed to be built up when the reality may not be so good.

“I’m hopeful that this will not mean the end of Spike’s career.”

Jeffrey has almost become immune to injuries this season as the Windsor Park treatment room has regularly generated bigger crowds than the Boxing Day sales.

The Blues chief now has 13 players unavailable for the home clash with Ballymena United on Thursday.

Robbie Garrett is the latest to join the unavailability list; he must serve a suspension after his dismissal against Glentoran at Windsor.

“People should realised what we have achieved with the resources we have had,” added Jeffrey.

“The squad has been stretched like never before and yet we still managed to produce a phenomenal performance against the Glens.

“What we must do now is prepare for the next big challenge with the same focus and concentration.”

Jeffrey needs to be forward thinking as he goes shopping for bargains in the January transfer window and Linfield have been linked with a move for Lisburn Distillery striker Gary Browne.

Browne joined Distillery in July 2007 after a spell with Glentoran.

“Gary is one of a number of options we are considering at the moment,” said Jeffrey.

“The Ballymena United goalkeeper Alan Blayney is another one. As Alan Mannus is considering his options, it would be wrong for us not to look elsewhere.”