A LATE injury “blow” to Graham Hutchison handed Rotherham United youngster Tom Rose a starting berth against Halifax Town, according to Worcester City caretaker boss John Snape.

The 19-year-old defender, who has joined on a one-month youth loan, played the full 90 minutes of City’s 2-1 defeat to the Vanarama National League North promotion-chasers.

Snape said he was pleased with the debutant’s performance as he was part of a five-man midfield.

But Snape admitted he was forced to throw Rose into the action from the start after finding out centre-back Hutchison had picked up a knee problem.

“He wasn’t originally going to start the game, he was going to come on,” he said.

“He is a left-sided player and probably still needs to learn the game a little bit at this level as he is not used to it, “But an injury to Graham before the start of the game led to him starting.

“It was a little blow, but I think he has done OK on his debut.

“He will be training with us in the week as well, so hopefully we can get a bit more out of him.”

Snape also confirmed experienced defender James Chambers (thigh) and winger Chekaine Steele (hamstring) were also ruled out through injury.

But he is hopeful they will be back fit for Worcester’s trip to bottom club Altrincham on Saturday.

“Graham was feeling his right knee, but hopefully it is just a twinge,” he said.

“James has got a thigh strain and Chekaine was not fit to play as he has got a hamstring strain that we are monitoring.

“Hopefully we can address that this week so he is available for Altrincham.”