SOUTHEND United winger Kevan Hurst is expected to be out of action for at least a fortnight with the hamstring injury he suffered during Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Cambridge United.

Hurst was forced to be substituted during the first half at Roots Hall.

And Blues boss Phil Brown does not expect him to be back until at least mid-April.

“It’s a real shame because Kevan had just got himself in the starting line-up again and we’ve also got games coming thick and fast quite soon,” said Brown.

“It’s a strange situation too because he’s told me he had gone 10 years without having a soft tissue injury and now he’s suffered two in the space of four months even though he’s probably stronger now than he ever has been before.

“Both of them came in matches against Cambridge too but we’ve got the results back of his scan now and he’s going to be missing for between two to three weeks.

“It could’ve been worse but it’s still disappointing that we’re going to be without for the next few games.”

Hurst was a real star for the Shrimpers last season, scoring 12 goals but he has failed to find that kind of form again this term and has the back of the net just once so far.