Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy says he will look to the emergency loan market after star man Ryan Fraser suffered a ‘nasty’ hamstring injury in this afternoon’s last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers.

The Blues clung on in a one-sided and wind-swept first half, then seemed to be the team pushing for the winner before Matty Phillips stooped to nod home in the 88th minute. Even then there was still time for home keeper Alex Smithies to make two fine stops to deny Town a draw.

To rub salt in the wounds, Fraser – who had reported a tight hamstring following Tuesday night’s 2-1 home over Reading – pulled up sharply clutching his hamstring at the death. Luke Hyam had missed the game with a sore calf, while Cole Skuse also limped off with an ankle problem.

“It looks like a nasty hamstring injury the way he pulled up, so that’s not good,” said McCarthy, when asked about Bournemouth loanee Fraser, the left-winger having undoubtedly been Town’s best player this season.

“He’s been different class the kid, so that would be a real devastating blow for us.”

Will he look to utilise the emergency loan window when it opens on Monday, clubs able to bring in players for a maximum of 93 days?

“Yeah, but I’m not sure I’m going to get another Ryan Fraser!” he replied. “Skusey’s also injured, I’m not sure how bad that is but he’s hurt his ankle. Luke Hyam pulled up in training yesterday with a sore calf too.

“Going to a Premier League club for a player is always an options, but let’s assess the damage on Monday first and see where we go from there. Let’s put the horse before the cart.”