SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has stressed the importance of skipper Anton Ferdinand ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Doncaster Rovers.

Ferdinand’s early season form has been criticised in some quarters.

But Brown believes the experienced defender plays an important role for the Shrimpers.

“Anton might have had a difficult time at the start of the season and he’s had his own problems and issues off the field of play, but when he’s on it he never stops talking,” said Brown.

“Your average punter on the street underestimates that but I never do.

“I actually think I could still play alongside Anton Ferdinand because he talks you through the game.

“He’s helping Harry Kyprianou at the moment and he did the same with John White earlier in the season when he was playing out of position.

“The information Harry is receiving from Anton is priceless and he’s getting real benefits from that.”

Ferdinand looks set to partner Kyprianou again at Doncaster this weekend.

Rovers have triumphed in just one of their last seven league games, but Brown is taking very little from their recent run of indifferent results.

“They’ve lost six out of seven but they have played some really tough opponents in that run,” said Brown.

“They’ve played Arsenal in the cup, Shrewsbury who are top of the league, Bradford and Scunthorpe, so you would have maybe thought this was going to be a rough time for them.

“They’re not having a good time but we are so we need to emphasise that on Saturday.”