BLUES boss Phil Brown has disciplined skipper Anton Ferdinand following his red card at Doncaster Rovers.

Ferdinand was dismissed after the final whistle at the Keepmoat Stadium for venting his fury towards referee Darren Handley.

And Brown has now had words with the experienced centre-back, who will be suspended for Blues’ next two matches.

“I’ve spoken to Anton,” confirmed Brown.

“It was abrupt and very personal. Things needed to happen, and they have in terms of disciplinary action, but it will remain internal.

“He has also requested to come to the game on Saturday to show his support.”

Brown will now be mulling over who can replace Ferdinand at the heart of Blues’ back four and the Shrimpers chief has also yet to decide who will captain the team in the 32-year-old’s absence.

“There are one or two coming into the side who have the qualities to be captain but Ryan Leonard, John White, Mark Oxley and Michael Timlin spring to mind too,” said Brown.

“It’s something I’ve yet to decide on.”

And Brown was also unwilling to reveal how long Harry Kyprianou will be spending on the sidelines. The defender picked up a thigh problem during the 4-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers but it is not known when he will be back in action.

“Everyone seems to be hell-bent on time limits with injuries and we normally give them but are we ever accurate?” said Brown.

“I’m not sure there’s any point in giving time limits. Harry had a grade two tear, end of.”