Scans have revealed that Middlesbrough striker Joseph-Desire Job suffered a cracked skull when he clashed heads with West Brom defender Darren Moore on Saturday.

Job received a slight crack to the base of his skull as he and Moore challenged for a high ball, and he will be out of action for the foreseeable future.

He was stretchered from the pitch in some distress, but regained consciousness and was able to speak to manager Steve McClaren in the ambulance before leaving the ground for hospital.

Job originally stayed in the West Midlands overnight before being driven back to Teesside for further tests on Monday.

It creates an opportunity for another player to come in and stake a claim Boro manager Steve McClaren

"Joseph saw a neuro-surgeon yesterday and further scans revealed that he had a slight crack on the base of his skull," said a club spokesman.

"He therefore requires complete rest and will not be training for the present time.

"The situation will be reassessed in about 10 days' time."

Although it is clearly a serious injury, there will be some relief that it has turned out not to be any worse.

"It's a big blow for Joseph, who's been playing well for us, but it does create an opportunity for another player to come in and stake a claim," said McClaren.

"Naturally, the most important issue right now is Joseph's health, and we will of course follow the medical advice and give him complete rest."

Job has successfully filled a role behind Boro's two main strikers this season.

That role was originally earmarked for Juninho, but the Brazilian was ruled out with a long-term injury himself before the start of the season.