KEY Southend United winger Stephen McLaughlin is facing a further two months on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

The in-form Irishman, who has scored six goals so far this season, picked up the injury during the 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic on New Year’s Eve.

But Blues boss Phil Brown does now not expect him to return to action until the end of March.

“Stephen looks like he will be out for another couple of months,” said the 57-year-old.

“He doesn’t need an operation which is good news but we were initially hoping he was only going to be out of action for three or four weeks.

“However, that sadly doesn’t seem to be the case anymore and it’s looking like it’s going to be eight to 10 weeks now instead.

“It’s obviously a blow because he’s been a key player for us and we’ve really seen what he is capable of when he gets a run of games under his belt.

“It’s not nice to see him around the place on crutches but hopefully he’ll have a speedy recovery and will soon be back in the team.”

With McLaughlin out of action, Jermaine McGlashan and Zavon Hines will be keen to feature more regularly.

And Brown is keen for the replacements to also take their chance in the team.

“It’s nice but that’s why you have a squad in football and there’s an opportunity for someone else now,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We’ve got Jermaine McGlashan who has scored a couple of goals recently fighting for a place and Zavon Hines as well.

“Luke O’Neill will want to play and so will Jack Bridge so we’re not short of options.

“But Stephen has been a goalscoring threat for us whenever he’s played this season and whoever gets the opportunity to replace him now also needs to be a goalscoring threat.

“The challenge facing us is to make sure we’re still high up the table when Stephen returns and that we’re still in the position we want to be.”

McLaughlin will miss out on tomorrow’s clash with Rochdale along with goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

However, the shot-stopper will not need an operation to cure an elbow problem.

“Mark has to see the specialist and he’s got the all clear,” said Brown.

“He doesn’t need an operation and should be back within two weeks.

“Ted Smith has stood up to the plate since Mark’s injury and there’s going to be a real battle between them again now.”