Southend United's troubled striker Martin Carruthers wants to get back to doing what he does best at Hartlepool - hitting the back of the net!

The 28-year-old hitman has been a pale shadow of his former self in recent weeks, following a contract wrangle with the Third Division outfit, which has alerted opposition sides sniffing around for a new forward.

Blues have already rejected cash bids from Essex rivals Colchester United and northerners Rochdale for the front-runner.

However, Carruthers, who has scored six times this season, but has hit a five game drought, is trying to put the speculation right out of his mind as he continues to hunt for goals.

"I'm not panicking about not scoring," said Carruthers, who netted 19 times in just 38 League matches last term. "I know I'll put the ball in the back of the net if I get the right service. I'm not the sort of player who is going to beat three or four players and score a goal. And I don't get too many from outside the penalty area.

"My game is about getting in the box and connecting with crosses or capitalising on the mistakes of the opposition defenders.

"But I haven't been getting too many opportunities recently. The only chance I've had of late was a close range tap in against Torquay in the FA Cup during the last minute of extra time on Tuesday night.

"But I missed when I really should have put the ball away. If I get into a similar position against Hartlepool I'll make sure I make it count!"

Meanwhile, Southend boss David Webb has suspension and injury problems ahead of the long haul up to Victoria Park.

Midfielder Kevin Maher will be forced to sit out the game serving a one match suspension and a head wound could rob Blues of right-back Martyn Booty's services.

However, Webb is expected to throw youngsters Leon Johnson and David McSweeney into the fray, two players who took part in the midweek 2-1 FA Cup win over Torquay as substitutes.

"Both of these lads looked comfortable against Torquay and they may get another opportunity to prove themselves at Hartlepool," said the Shrimpers chief today (Friday).

"Leon and David are promising young players and I've got no problem with throwing them into a first-team start tomorrow."

Johnson should deputise for Maher with McSweeney filling the right-back slot he took on comfortably after replacing the injured Booty against Torquay.

Webb also hopes to have widemen Scott Forbes (thigh) and David Lee (knee) fit for the trip north.

Southend (from): Flahavan, McSweeney, Searle, Roget, Whelan, Williamson, Johnson, Lee, Forbes, Carruthers, Abbey, Fitzpatrick, Morley, Edwards, Kerrigan, Cross, Porter.

Glory hunter - Martin Carruthers, pictured left during Blues' 2-1 FA Cup win over Torquay, will be looking to get back to goalscoring ways at Hartlepool on Saturday.

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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