SOUTHEND United centre-back Michael Turner has been ruled out for at least the next month with a hamstring injury.

The experienced defender, who joined the Shrimpers during the summer, visited a specialist in London yesterday.

And Blues boss Phil Brown now expects to be without Turner for the next few weeks.

“Michael has been to see the specialist about his hamstring injury and he’s going to be out with it for between four to six weeks,” said Brown.

“It’s a grade one tear and it’s disappointing news because we’ve brought him in and he showed in pre-season what he brings to the team.

“But hopefully we can get him fit as quickly as possible and we’re not going to be without him for a longer period of time.”

Turner - who made just three appearances in cup competitions for Norwich City last season before being released - has sat out the Shrimpers’ last three pre-season friendlies after picking up the problem during the 4-0 win at Bishop’s Stortford a fortnight ago.

But Brown is hoping to soften the injury blow by completing the signing of another centre-back.

Blues remain in transfer talks with a defender who is currently on the books of a Scottish Premiership club.

And the Southend chief is confident the deal will soon be sealed.

“It’s still close to being done and that would give everyone a boost before the season gets underway,” said Brown.

“One of the best things about pre-season is the number of minutes we’ve been able to get from Anton Ferdinand.

“He’s come through that fine and, fingers crossed, will be in a good position to start the season.

“We also have John White, who showed last season he’s more than able to fill in at centre-back and we’ve seen that in the pre-season matches we’ve had as well.

“He does a good job there in there but we’ll still be looking to bring in another defender because we’re a little bit short of options."