SOUTHEND United winger Stephen McLaughlin is facing a summer of rehabilitation work after suffering another injury setback.

The Irishman picked up an ankle problem during Blues’ 1-0 defeat to Bradford City.

But boss Phil Brown hopes the setback will eventually result in McLaughlin coming back stronger for the start of pre-season training.

“Stephen will now be spending most of the summer working his way back from this injury but in a strange way that might work in his favour,” explained Brown.

“It will give him a head-start on the other lads in terms of strength and fitness work before the start of pre-season training which hopefully he will be ready for.”

The injury is the latest in a long line of setbacks for McLaughlin, who made just 10 starts before the season came to an end on Sunday.

And Brown cannot believe how unlucky the 25-year-old has been since signing for the Shrimpers.

“Stephen missed three months earlier on in the season with an ankle problem and now he’s gone and done exactly the same injury on the other ankle,” said Brown.

“I’m not too sure what the chances of that happening must be but the good news is that it’s not as severe as last time, so he won’t be out of action for as long.

“He’s also not missing matches this time either but he needs a good pre-season to be fighting fit for next year.”

McLaughlin currently has his foot in a protective boot and is being joined in the treatment room by defender John White.

The right-back had to miss Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Bury due to a shoulder problem.

But White is expected to have regained full fitness by the start of pre-season training.

“John will be doing a lot of strength and conditioning work on his shoulder during the off season,” added Brown.