Southend United were hit with the bad news today that ever-present goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan faces up to six weeks on the sidelines.

But Blues boss Rob Newman tried to soften the blow by revealing he hoped to bring in two new players before Saturday's marathon trip to Carlisle -- another shot-stopper and a defensive utility man.

Taking the strain - a thigh injury will keep Darryl Flahavan out of the Southend squad for up to six weeks Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

"Darryl has torn a muscle in his thigh and could be out of action for as long as six weeks," confirmed the Shrimpers chief.

"He was struggling a bit during our last match against Scunthorpe and had to have some of his goal-kicks taken for him because of the discomfort.

"We were obviously concerned, but Darryl felt he could complete the 90 minutes. However, after the game the injury started causing him more problems and it was obvious that it was quite serious.

"Darryl will not require surgery though, it is just a case of getting plenty of rest and letting nature take its course."

Flahavan, 25, is Southend's current Player of the Year and has kept goal in every single one of Blues' 30 league and cup matches this term, keeping five clean sheets.

The former Woking custodian's enforced lay-off could open the door for 20-year-old rookie Daniel Gay, who has made six first team appearances for the Shrimpers.

But Newman said he wanted to add another goalie to his squad before the Carlisle match.

A heavily waterlogged pitch put paid to Southend United's New Year's Day Roots Hall encounter with high-flying Oxford.

Referee Paul Armstrong called off the game at 10.30am yesterday morning following a thorough inspection of Blues' drowned playing surface.

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Published Thursday, January 2, 2003

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