By Martin Walker in the Lakes

Michael Brough missed Darlington's game against Workington last night and boss Mark Cooper is worried about the extent of the midfielder's injury.

Brough was Cooper's first signing this summer, joining from Mansfield, and started well in Darlington's opening three pre-season games.

But the 28-year-old's knee flared up at the weekend following the 3-0 defeat at home to Carlisle United on Friday night.

And even though Darlington were boosted by the return of midfielder Gary Smith last night, who scored the second goal, Cooper is still concerned.

"With the way we are going with injuries we seem to get an injury every time we go on the pitch," he said.

"We had Gary Smith back, but Gareth Waite is still out injured and Michael (Brough) has been for a scan and we will see the results of the scan because we need to see if he needs an operation or not.

"He didn't feel anything on Friday, it just swelled up on Saturday. There's something there and we'll just have to wait and see."