CHERRIES goalkeeper Gareth Stewart faces an anxious wait to discover whether his season may have come to a premature end.

Stewart was stretchered off after sustaining an ankle injury during the first half of Cherries' 2-0 victory over Hartlepool.

He was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where X-rays confirmed he had chipped the fibula bone after landing awkwardly on his left leg.

However, the full extent of the injury will not be known until after Stewart has undergone a follow-up scan early next week.

He will return to hospital once the initial swelling has subsided when a scan will reveal whether or not he has also suffered any ligament damage.

Stewart played his part in Cherries' victory with his crucial save at the feet of David Foley in the 30th minute preserving their 1-0 lead.

He was replaced by teenager Ryan Pryce who went on to confidently ensure Cherries kept their fifth clean sheet in the league this season.

But it was tough luck on Stewart who had been playing through the pain barrier after breaking the index finger on his left hand during Cherries' 4-1 defeat by Southend in January.

The goalkeeping duties are expected to rest with Pryce for Cherries' tough northern double-header at Leeds and Oldham next week.

It is understood Cherries would only be permitted to draft in a replacement should Pryce become injured due to a Football League transfer embargo.