SOUTHEND United striker Noel Hunt was forced to miss Saturday’s clash against Walsall with a foot injury.

The 32-year-old Irishman picked up the problem during last Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Capital One Cup.

And Shrimpers chief Phil Brown was left ruing Hunt’s absence.

“I brought Noel in to play and his fitness levels have been improving but unfortunately he got a kick against Brighton on Tuesday night,” said Brown.

“It caused him a problem and he couldn’t get his boot on because of it.

“But after watching that game I think I would’ve taken Noel with one boot on because that would’ve been an improvement on what we were like.”