SOUTHEND United centre-back Luke Prosser is an injury doubt for Saturday’s match with Morecambe at Roots Hall.

The in-form defender is struggling with a knee problem.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is not sure if he will recover in time to take on the Shrimps.

“Fingers crossed Luke will be OK but he has a niggling knee injury and at the moment I would have to say he’s doubtful for the game against Morecambe,” confirmed Brown.

“It’s an injury which has been coming on for a while and we rested him for a couple of days last week in order for him to be able to play in the matches.

“It’s got a bit worse since then and it’s something which will need to be carefully managed.

“But we obviously hope he’s fit for the weekend because he’s been playing well for us back there.”

Prosser has formed a solid partnership with Adam Thompson at the heart of Southend’s back four, keeping three clean sheets in their last four games.

And Brown has been delighted by how the duo performed in recent weeks.

“The two of them have been doing well but they did that last season too until they both got injured,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“After that we had to bring in John Egan and Jakub Sokolik who both brilliant so it was hard for Luke and Adam to get back in.

“But they’ve taken their chance again this season and if they can keep it going who knows where it will take them.”

Should Prosser be forced to drop out of the side then summer signing Cian Bolger is most likely to replace him.

But Mads Ibenfeldt is also in contention.

And Brown feels that competition for places is playing a big part in Blues having the joint best defensive record in League Two.

“Adam and Luke have the shirts at the moment but they know they are under pressure to try and keep them,” said Brown.

“We paid money to bring Cian to the club during the summer and he’s back fit now trying to get back in so there’s healthy competition for places.”