SOUTHEND United skipper John White has been ruled out for three weeks with the dislocated shoulder he suffered in the FA Cup win against Millwall.

The reliable right-back will miss the Shrimpers’ trip to Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.

But boss Phil Brown hopes to soften the blow by bringing in a replacement on loan.

“It’s disappointing to be missing John because he’s our captain and a very important member of our team but we are looking at getting someone else in,” said Brown.

“I’ve put a call in to a manager who is a friend of mine and it doesn’t seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

“Talks are ongoing and hopefully we can get something sorted out but it won’t be easy to replace John.

“He’s been very consistent in that role and he’s been a great choice as captain as well.

“He’s very calm in his approach and isn’t a shouter like myself but he leads the team well and it’s a real blow that we’re going to have to be without him for a few weeks now.”

If Blues fail to bring in a loan signing before their clash against the Pilgrims then Adam Thompson, who completed a permanent switch to Southend earlier this week, could well line up in his place.

Ryan Auger is another option while Brown also feels Mark Phillips could also play on the right hand side of the defence.

But the Shrimpers chief has yet to decide who will skipper the side in White’s absence.

“I’ve yet to pick who the captain will be but the good thing is there are now plenty of choices which wasn’t the case earlier on in the season,” said Brown.

“I will be thinking it over in the build up to the game but I think my final decision could well surprise a few people.”

The Shrimpers go in the game sitting fourth in the League Two table.

However, Brown believes Plymouth will provide his in-form side with a very stern test.

“John Sheridan has really turned things round there after a slow start,” said Brown.

“I think a change of formation has helped them and all the reports we’ve had on them have said they’re playing with real confidence right now.

“They’ve also brought in Jason Banton who was actually on our radar and will definitely be a threat so it’s a game we know is going to be very difficult indeed.”