Double blow for Shrimpers

Southend's turbulent pre-season has suffered another blow with two more players picking up injuries.

Shrimpers manager Steve Tilson has already seen Adam Barrett, Damian Scannell, Dougie Freedman and Kevin Betsy collect knocks this summer and they have now been joined by Stuart O'Keefe and Ian Joyce.

O'Keefe has a knee ligament injury that will sideline him for at least 10 days, while goalkeeper Joyce is suffering from back spasms.

Tilson is still looking to bolster his defensive options and will hand Harry Worley and Brian Saah a further chance to impress him against Barnet on Tuesday night.

The pair turned out against Dagenham on Saturday and Tilson is set to have a closer look at them as he scours the market for a replacement for Peter Clarke.

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