Southend United

Image source, Warren Muggleton/BBC Essex

Southend United boss Kevin Maher is hoping that a hip problem which forced full-back Gus Scott-Morriss off the pitch in Tuesday's win over National League leaders Rochdale is nothing serious.

As well as his defensive role, Scott-Morriss has scored 29 goals for the Shrimpers in the past two seasons - 12 of them in the current campaign.

"At half-time he stiffened up a bit but wanted to get out there for the second half," Maher told BBC Essex Sport.

"You could see it tightening up and we couldn't take any risks. We'll have to see how he settles down."

Southend are unbeaten in five games in March, but have another four to play before the end of the month - the next at Altrincham on Saturday.

Image source, Shutterstock

Southend United boss Kevin Maher says Noor Husin is being given plenty of support by the club as he continues his rehab following a long-term injury.

The Afghan midfielder recently admitted trying to deal with the mental side of the situation was as tough as the physical aspect, external following two operations since he damaged a cruciate ligament against Halifax Town in September.

"I had a real honest conversation with him the other day about what he's feeling, how he's feeling," Maher told BBC Essex.

"When you get to know Noor, the person he is, he's quiet, introverted, quite shy - though he doesn't come across that way when he crosses the white line, of course.

"When you go through that as a player, that can be a dark place for players at times.

"It's important he has the right support around him and is looked after properly because he's done so much for this club.

"He was a huge part of the squad and the lads love him to bits. We're here for him any time he needs us.

"It's sometimes difficult because there's so much going on and when you're injured it can be a lonely place so it's important you have the right structures around you."

Southend are also without club captain Nathan Ralph following knee surgery, but go into Tuesday's home game against Boreham Wood in the National League play-off places.

Image source, BBC Essex

Southend United captain Nathan Ralph could miss most of the rest of the season as he is likely to need surgery on a knee injury.

The 32-year-old has been with The Shrimpers since 2019 and has made 25 appearances this season.

"There's a tear in there so he'll probably need an op on it," boss Kevin Maher told BBC Essex.

"Until they go in there and do what they need to do we won't know fully but it's going to be a number of weeks (out), of course."

Southend are eighth in the National League, two points outside the play-off places, after reaching the final at Wembley last season, only to lose 3-2 to Oldham Athletic.

They are at home to Morecambe on Saturday but Maher expects they will have to play as many as nine games in March following Wednesday's postponement at Aldershot because of a waterlogged pitch.

Maher's side are also still in the FA Trophy and have a quarter-final away to Horsham on 28 February.