SOUTHEND United centre-back Adam Thompson has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury in the opening exchanges of the 2-0 win against Mansfield Town on Good Friday.

And he could now be out of action for up to six months, much to the disappointment of Blues manager Phil Brown.

“It’s horrendous news for Adam that he’s going to be out for this length of time,” said Brown.

“His shoulder hasn’t gone back in properly after it came out and he’s going to need to surgery.

“The good news for Adam and for ourselves is that there’s a 91 per cent success rate with this operation and if he doesn’t have it then it’s only 50/50 it will get better again.

“But Adam had been playing well so it’s disappointing to be without him for the run in.”

Thompson’s injury will also means he will still be out injured when his contract expires in the summer.

However, Brown promised the club would stand by the former Northern Ireland international.

“I’ve spoken to the chairman and we will definitely be standing by Adam,” said the Blues boss.

“We will obviously give him all the help we can with his rehabilitation work and will be offering him a new contract on our terms.”