German midfielder Lars Unger has become the first casualty of Alan Little's summer clearout, the Southend United boss revealed today.

Little has decided the 26-year-old - on loan from Fortuna Dusseldorf - is surplus to requirements and will return home after Blues' final Third Division fixture against Hartlepool at Roots Hall this Saturday.

"Lars has no future with us as he doesn't figure in my team rebuilding plans," explained the Shrimpers chief.

"A number of factors have led to me making this decision, including the size of Lars' financial package to the club, but in all honesty I don't think he is suited to our standard of football.

"Lars has played at the top level in his own country, but I don't think the Third Division is the right stage for his style of play. He would probably do better at a higher level team where he would get more time on the ball to play his game.

"We've spoken about this and Lars fully understands, although he still wants to make a go of it somewhere else in English football and have a playing career in this country."

However, Little believes the former German under-21 international, who was dropped for last weekend's 2-0 victory at Barnet, has helped to ensure the Seasiders' league survival.

"Lars came to this country to help Southend pull themselves out of trouble and he has played his part. I wish him well for the future," Little added.

Unger's departure could spark a scramble through the Roots Hall exit door as Little begins to reshape his squad by deciding the futures of five out of contract players.

Defenders Keith Dublin and Andy Harris, midfielder Kevin Maher, winger Adrian Clarke and forward Steve McGavin, are the players whose current deals are up for renewal.

"I've got a lot of tough decisions to make and I will be meeting these players to discuss their futures within the next week," Little said.

Two players who have been given new one-year contracts are young defenders Chris Perkins, who made five first team appearances last season, and Adam Morrish.

Little is hoing first team goalkeeper Mel Caple-ton, who is also out of contract this summer, will sign a new two-year deal this week.

Lars Unger - has no future in Blues manager Alan Little's team plans

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