SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insists the emergence of other midfielders has pushed Conor Clifford down the pecking order at the club.

Clifford started the season well for the Shrimpers but has appeared in just one of the last 14 games.

And Brown says that it down to others having impressed in the centre of the park.

“I would say the emergence of Jack Payne is one of the main reasons for Conor not having played so many matches lately,” said the Blues boss.

“We have six or seven really strong midfielders challenging for two or three places so some of them are going to find themselves left out.

“They’re obviously not happy about it and Will Atkinson and Michael Timlin were both disappointed not to make the starting line-up against Plymouth at the weekend.

“But Ryan Leonard has been doing a good job this season and Jack Payne has really come to the party so it’s a very competitive area of the team.”

Clifford, who started five of the first six games of the season, was left out of the squad altogether for the recent 0-0 draw against Burton Albion at Roots Hall.

But Brown still wants the 23-year-old to remain at Roots Hall and challenge for a place in the side.

“Conor is still part of my plans and in my thinking too,” said Brown.

“Things can change quickly and if one of the players is unhappy about not playing then you don’t know want can happen.

“However, Conor can certainly be an asset for someone and I’m hoping that will be us.”