SOUTHEND United have injury doubts over four of their players for the Boxing Day clash at Cambridge United.

Barry Corr, Conor Clifford, Gary Deegan and Adam Thompson are all struggling with knocks.

And Blues boss Phil Brown does not yet know who will be available for the clash at the Abbey Stadium.

“We’ve got slight doubts over Conor and Barry but they should be OK and it’s the other two who are far more doubtful,” confirmed Brown.

“Barry suffered a dead leg in the game with Burton last Friday but he was back in light training yesterday so he should be fine to be involved at Cambridge.

“But as far as Gary and Adam are concerned we are going to have to make late decisions on both of them and whether or not they will be fit enough to be in the squad.”

Blues head in to the game sitting sixth in the League Two table, ahead of Cambridge who are currently 12th.

Southend also host Dagenham & Redbridge at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Brown is targeting a maximum of six points to ensure the team end the first half of the season with more than 40 points.

“I set the team a target of getting at least 40 points at the half way point and that still stands,” said Brown, whose side currently have 35 points.

“We want six points from these two games we have coming up but we’re not getting carried and we’re not taking anything for granted.

“We’re only thinking about the Cambridge match at the moment too because that will be a big test.

“But it’s one we want to get back to winning ways in.”

However, for that to happen the Shrimpers will have to improve in the final third.

And Brown has told his front players he needs more from them against the U’s.

“I’ve watched the Burton game again on the DVD and it was the lack of creativity which really did stop us from winning the game,” said the 55-year-old.

“We looked apprehensive in front of goal and we didn’t work their goalkeeper enough either so we need that to change when we take on Cambridge.”

Blues will again be without suspended left-back Jerome Binnom-Williams who serves the second a three match ban after being sent off at Wycombe Wanderers.