ED Bastick could be set to miss the rest of the season after manager Portland United manager Gary Bailey revealed he is still plagued by a knee problem.

The island winger, who has stood out during a number of performances for the Blues this term, picked up the injury during a training session and is still not certain of the extent of the damage caused.

Manager Bailey told Echosport: “We are probably not going to see Ed until the end of the season.

“We aren’t sure what it is and his knee is still sore. He has had an x-ray and there is no bone damage so we are waiting on an MRI scan.

“The timescale of that will probably hit us to be fair but we will keep our fingers crossed.

“It’s a shame for him because it’s probably his first full season at senior level having stepped up at the end of last season from the reserves.

“He has had a good season and has caught the eye with his pace which is a real threat.”

Without Bastick, the Blues will head to Turlin Moor to take on struggling Poole Borough tomorrow (3pm).

Coming off the back of wins against Mere Town and Parley Sports, the island boss is hopeful his side can deliver a hat-trick of league victories to keep them in the hunt for the title.

Commenting on 16th placed Borough, Bailey added: “They have had a funny old season with changing managers and have had a bit of a turbulent time.

“It’s a big pitch up there and you have to work hard to get the points so we will be fully expecting to perform well.

“We are going there off the back of two good results, confidence is high but we threw points away up there last time. We were cruising and went on to draw 3-3.”

Quizzed on the race for the title he added: “The pressure is off us really because, when you look at the table, we are third favourites and the other teams are up there on merit.

“But we know from last season that in the last five games — when you need three or four points to secure it — it is difficult to get over the line.

“We have shown real dogged determination and the grit that you need coming into the business end of the season, which gives me great encouragement."

Sean Bessant is expected to be back for the Blues after serving a ban and Carl Mutch is also likely to return.

Hosts Borough have conceded nine goals in their last two games.