SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is facing up to his worst ever list of unavailabilities ahead of tomorrow’s ‘six pointer’ at Sheffield United.

Brown could be missing as many as eight players for Blues’ first visit to Bramall Lane in 18 years.

And the Shrimpers boss admits he has never known anything quite like it during his spell in charge of the club.

“It’s probably my worst time in terms of the length of the injury list and the number of players who are unavailable since I’ve been at Southend,” said Brown, who came to Blues in March 2013.

“Gary Deegan and Stephen McLaughlin are still on crutches, Anthony Wordsworth has had an operation and we’re still waiting on Noel Hunt.

“It’s far from ideal and we could be without seven or eight players this weekend.

“But we have Michael Timlin back from suspension and Myles Weston is touch and go so we will still have a strong squad what I think is a real six pointer.”

Blues returned to winning ways in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Wednesday night, beating Bristol Rovers 1-0 at Roots Hall.

However, they have failed to triumph in their last three league outings.

And Brown, whose sit 12th in the League One standings, is keen to put that right.

“Sheffield United will be classing it as a six pointer but so are we,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We’ve thrown away four points in the last two games and we need to get back onto the coat-tails of the play-off positions.

“We’ll also be going into the game with renewed confidence after winning on Wednesday but we know we’re in for a stern test.”

The Blades, who average of crowds of just below 20,000 at home this term, are currently eighth in the table.

But Brown is keen to see his side stand up to the challenge.

“We had the right mentality again against Bristol Rovers and we will need it tomorrow too,” said Brown.

“Sheffield United are a huge club, there will be 20,000 fans there roaring them on but we need to come up with the right formula and stand up to them.”

THOSE WHO COULD BE MISSING TOMORROW

Anthony Wordsworth

Definitely out with an ankle injury. Had an operation on Monday and will be out for three months.

Myles Weston

Has missed two of Blues’ last three games with an Achilles problem. Described as touch and go for tomorrow.

Ted Smith

Away with England’s under 20 team.

Cian Bolger

Struggling with a back problem but could be available this weekend.

Noel Hunt

Still out with an ankle injury. Two weeks away from being back running.

Stephen McLaughlin

Currently on crutches with an ankle problem. Blues remaining tight-lipped on how long he will be out for.

Glen Rea

Away with Republic of Ireland’s under 21 team.

Gary Deegan

On crutches with an ankle injury. Expected to be out for another two weeks.