SOUTHEND United winger Kevan Hurst has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash with Dagenham & Redbridge with a hamstring injury.

Hurst picked up the problem towards the end of the 1-0 win at Cambridge United on Boxing Day.

And Shrimpers boss Phil Brown has confirmed he will miss the match at Roots Hall.

“Hursty’s injury isn’t too serious but he definitely won’t make the game tomorrow,” said Brown.

“His foot gave way on the pitch when he struck the ball which has caused him to tweak his hamstring a little bit.

“But he shouldn’t be out for too long with it.”

Hurst is expected to be replaced on the left wing by either Myles Weston or Shaq Coulthirst.

And Brown is not sure whether or not further changes will be needed as the Shrimpers play for the second time in just three days.

“We do have great fitness levels at this football club and Ben Coker has been the latest one to show that,” said Brown.

“Not only has he been able to play two full games on his return but he’s also been among our better performers.

“Most of the lads should be able to cope with the two games in three days but maybe one or two them won’t.

“I’ll be looking closely and them and could decide to make a couple of changes.”

Blues head in to the game sitting fifth in the League Two standings.

And Brown believes Dagenham, who are just above the relegation zone in 22nd place, will be attempting to frustrate his side.

“I think Dagenham will come here and try to stodge things up a little bit,” said Brown.

“They will want to frustrate us and we will all need to be patient.

“The first goal is key and if we can get it early then it will open things up and mean Dagenham will have to start to play a bit more.”

Blues could be boosted by the return of midfielder Gary Deegan for the game after he returned to training this morning.

Deegan missed the win at Cambridge with a knee injury, along with Adam Thompson who is still rated 50/50 for tomorrow’s game with a dead leg.