Northern Ireland international Liam Boyce has bagged 14 times for Burton Albion this season, but could be facing a spell on the side lines.

Boyce was stretchered off on Bank Holiday Monday against Southend and looks to be a huge doubt for the final match of the campaign against Peterborough United.

It’s a huge blow to the striker who has been a big part of the Brewers good run of late. They’ve had a big say in the promotion hunt, particularly in their draw with Sunderland. They’re too far adrift of the top six themselves now, but could yet affect Peterborough’s hopes of a play-off spot.

Boyce has proven himself to be an adept centre forward at League One level and has combined his international duties with his domestic commitments well.

Boyce has a contract into next season and is expected to remain at the club during the summer, but after a strong second half of the season, it’s going to be tough on him missing out.

Perhaps the most concerning thing is personal pride, both him and Lucas Atkins are on 14 goals for the season and the injury could potentially hand Atkins the impetus to finish as leading scorer.

Whilst personal pride might not seem the biggest motivation from a fan’s perspective, Boyce would relish the chance to recover in time to face Peterborough and that competition might ensure that Posh are given a much sterner match than they might think.

With little to play for in terms of position, Burton’s players could be forgiven for being on the beach ahead of kick off, but not Boyce. He’ll either be on the bench, patched up and eager to impress, or sat in the stands lamenting his luck and secretly hoping someone else wins the game for Burton, other than Atkins.

There’s plenty for both Boyce and Burton to be excited about next season. He’s a firm fixture in the Brewers side and only international ambitions would prompt him to look for a move, whilst their form since Christmas has suggested they could be a force to be reckoned with next year.

All of that will surely come after this weekend, when two players go head to head for a place in the record books.