SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hopes to have John White, Ben Coker and Noel Hunt back in contention for Saturday’s clash with Scunthorpe United.

But the Shrimpers chief admits he might not be able to select them.

White (thigh), Coker (hamstring) and Hunt (thigh) all missed the 2-0 win at Millwall at the weekend.

And they could now struggle to dislodge their replacements who impressed at the New Den.

“It was a really good team performance at the weekend and those coming into the line-up did well in that so we could be heading for some very big decisions this week,” said Brown.

“Saturday showed just why the chairman has afforded me a big squad because people like Luke O’Neill were just fantastic.

“I don’t actually know how long John White and Noel Hunt are going to be out for with their thigh injuries, but they could well be back training by the end of the week.

“Ben Coker could well be back from his hamstring injury by then too, so we won’t be short of options and that’s exactly what you want to be happening.”

Winger Stephen McLaughlin should also be available again after missing the Millwall match while centre-back Adam Barrett is also expected to be fit.

Barrett was forced to hobble off after injuring his leg just seconds after scoring at the New Den.

But Brown expects Barrett to be fit to face the Iron.

“Adam is another one we’re keeping tabs on but he should be fine,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“He will need a little bit of rest and recuperation but hopefully he will be back on the training ground later on in the week.”