Nigel Pearson has confirmed Alex Scott broke his nose following a collision in the first half of Bristol City's win over Derby.
The 18-year-old attempted to win a header in a duel with Louie Watson at the back post inside Derby's penalty area before hitting the turf holding his face.
Scott was in obvious discomfort in front of the increasingly irate Derby supporters before City's medics ran onto the field to give him treatment.
It soon become clear Scott was unable to continue and was replaced by Sam Bell who slotted in at right wing-back in a like-for-like replacement at the back.
When quizzed on Scott after the match, manager Pearson confirmed he had broken his nose but played down the incident by adding: "It's a bit sore, but he'll be fine."
Pearson even found the humorous side by labelling him a "mini Timm" in reference to his team-mate Timm Klose who has taken his fair share of blows to the nose throughout his career.
If any Premier League scouts were in attendance at Pride Park to watch him in action, then they would be been left disappointed with his 23-minute cameo.
According to the Mirror, members of staff from both Leeds and Tottenham were previously at the bet365 Stadium on Good Friday to watch Scott in action during City's 1-0 victory over the Potters.
The report adds how they rate Scott as £10million, despite his potential and the fact he has a long-term contract at Ashton Gate until the summer of 2025.
The Premier League duo aren't likely to be alone in their apparent interest with both Everton and Leicester previously linked with the 'Guernsey Grealish' in January.
Pearson has been adamant that he wants to keep his best players at the club into next season and he is predictably putting Scott in that category when he makes those claims.
Inevitably, Scott will play at a higher level and the ongoing interest will only add to the negotiating power City will have when the offers do come in.
City's financial position means one or two so-called 'big-name' players may have to leave to help balance the books but with Han-Noah Massengo reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Lyon and striker Antoine Semenyo in demand, Pearson will be determined that Scott will hang around for at least another year.
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