Southend hitman Ben Abbey could be set for a trip to the operating table.

The 22-year-old has been taking anti-inflammatory tablets to ease a pain in his side and is expected to see a specialist. Blues fear the ten-goal striker may need to have a hernia operation to clear up the problem.

Meanwhile, the Shrimpers are still trying to resolve defender Leo Roget's £50,000 move to Stockport County. The 23-year-old is still only on loan at Edgeley Park.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.