Crewe boss expects Preston North End loanee Kevin O'Connor to be okay after being stretchered off with head injury

Preston North End LIVE: Ben Pearson banned, international latest, Championship updates and moreThe Irishman was down for around 10 minutes after a clash of heads in the first half of the Alex’s come-from-behind 4-3 win at Prenton Park on Tuesday night.

It was a worrying scene but Artell reported post-match that he is expecting good news on the North End full back.

“The medics didn’t know whether he had hurt his neck,” the Crewe boss told the Crewe Chronicle.

“He was conscious and all the rest of it so they were taking a massive precaution because he had a pain in his neck.

“He’s gone to hospital but I’m sure he will be alright.”

O'Connor joined Crewe last week having not been part of Alex Neil's plans at Deepdale this season.

The 23-year-old made his debut in the 3-0 win over Macclesfield on Saturday and started again against Tranmere.

His deal with Crewe runs until January 7.