IPSWICH Town goal hero Alun Armstrong was knocked unconscious for a time after his sickening clash of heads with Blackburn's Alan Mahon.Blues physiotherapist David Williams was first on the scene during yesterday's 1-1 draw at Portman Road.

IPSWICH Town goal hero Alun Armstrong was knocked unconscious for a time after his sickening clash of heads with Blackburn's Alan Mahon.

Blues physiotherapist David Williams was first on the scene during yesterday's 1-1 draw at Portman Road.

He revealed today: "Alun was unconscious when I got to him, but thankfully he came round. I was particularly anxious for a time I can tell you."

Town were frustrated after surrendering the lead provided by Armstrong's 15th minute opener against Rovers.

In another blow, Armstrong will now certainly be out of Thursday night's UEFA Cup first round first leg clash against Torpedo Moscow at Portman Road.

He is also a doubt for next Saturday's showdown with Premiership champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Williams said that it was the first time he had dashed onto the field of play to attend an unconscious player since he was working as a young physiotherapist with the Tottenham youth set-up many years ago.

He was anxious to praise referee Graham Poll for his action in stopping the game.

"The referee was quick to see the situation and let people on," said Williams.

"Our club doctor Steve Lazar was swiftly onto the scene. We are all just thankful that Alun came round and ended up with a bit of mild concussion. It did not turn out to be as bad as it looked initially, much to the relief of everyone.

"Half an hour after the incident Alun felt better after laying to recover in the treatment room."

Armstrong did not go to hospital but did get attention from a top Ipswich Hospital Accident and Emergency man.

Williams said: "David Hodgkinson, the Ipswich Hospital casualty consultant, was at the game. He is a season ticket holder. He telephoned me in the dressing room after the match and came to have a look at Alun."

Town manager George Burley said: "Alun will not be available for the UEFA tie on Thursday as he suffered concussion. He feels OK now but will not return to training until Friday. He is only 50-50 for next Saturday's game at Manchester United.

"We will be taking further advice from the doctor in the next couple of days."

On a brighter note injury-wise, striker Marcus Stewart came through with no problems yesterday after a week of treatment for a hamstring injury.

Full-back Fabian Wilnis came on as a substitute in the second half for his 100th Town appearance.

The Dutchman has been battling against a long-standing hamstring problem.

Burley said of a game that saw Matt Jansen equalise for Blackburn in the 54th minute: "It was a disappointing result. One or two things are going against us at the moment. We have set high standards and there are always big challenges in a league like this. I've said all along that the first priority in this league is survival."