Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins will be without leading striker Martin Paterson for Sunday's final-day Championship clash at home to Colchester.

Paterson, whose 13 league goals have been unable to save the Iron from relegation, underwent a hernia operation this week.

Kevan Hurst is also sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up during the 1-0 victory at Watford last week so Matt Sparrow is expected to come into the starting XI.

The game will also give Iron fans the chance to give a final farewell to teenage star Jack Cork, who returns to parent-club Chelsea after his season-long loan at Glanford Park.

Despite already consigned to League One football next season, Adkins is determined to go out with a bang.

He told the Scunthorpe Telegraph: "Sunday is still a significant game for us because it's our last one in the Championship."

Teddy Sheringham looks set to miss the chance of one last hurrah for Colchester.

The former England striker, 42, made the 983rd appearance of his glittering career during last weekend's home defeat by Stoke.

But the toe injury which has interrupted his final season in the professional game has flared up again and he is unlikely to feature at Glanford Park.

Centre-half Adam Virgo limped off against Stoke with a thigh strain and is a major doubt but Matt Heath is training again following a groin problem and could step in for what will be a League One fixture next season.

Defender Pat Baldwin, winger Mark Yeates and goalkeeper Aidan Davison (all shoulder) are still sidelined.