SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has stressed the need for patience against Scunthorpe tomorrow as the Shrimpers bid to turn around their stuttering home form.

Blues have been beaten in four of their five games at Roots Hall so far this season.

And boss Phil Brown knows his side must find a way of rediscovering their best form against visiting teams.

“We’re finding ourselves up against teams who are packing the midfield when they come to Roots Hall and we have to be able to manage that,” said Brown.

“They’re trying to squeeze the living daylights out of us but we have to overcome that.

“We have to be patient as a group and that includes the supporters.

“We need to bring our best attacking play to the table too because Scunthorpe won’t be gifting us anything.

“They will try to shore it up and nick a win and they won’t be coming to entertain, that’s up to us.”

Scunthorpe have taken just five points from the last 42 available on the road and have still not triumphed away from home since January.

Blues will therefore be confident of picking up all three points, despite a number of injury concerns.

John White (thigh), Kevan Hurst (knee), Noel Hunt (thigh) and Adam Barrett (hamstring) are all rated doubtful.

But left-back Ben Coker is expected to return from a hamstring injury.

“Hopefully Ben Coker will be able to throw his hat into the ring,” confirmed Brown.

“Noel Hunt was still on the treatment table yesterday but could train today.

“The others are still being treated but the Millwall game showed how strong the squad is and it will need to be used again tomorrow.”