SOUTHEND United centre-back Cian Bolger will miss tonight’s clash at Cheltenham Town with a thigh injury.

The Irishman has not featured for the Shrimpers since being sent off at Plymouth Argyle at the end of August.

But manager Phil Brown is expecting the defender to be back in contention towards the end of the week.

“Cian will miss tonight’s game but he’s stepping up his training now and should be back soon,” said Brown.

“Fingers crossed he will be banging on the door by the end of the week and putting Adam Thompson and Luke Prosser under pressure again.”