SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is hopeful Ben Coker will not need an operation to cure his ankle injury.

The influential Blues’ left-back could be out for up to three months if he undergoes surgery on the problem he picked up against Bradford City 10 days ago.

But Brown has been boosted by Coker’s recovery and is now confident the defender will not have to go under the knife.

“I’m no medical expert and the scans will determine what happens but I’ve really been boosted by the progress Ben has made in the last few days and I’m now feeling very optimistic about the situation,” said Brown.

“I bumped into Ben on his way to the gym yesterday and he was no longer in the protective boot and he was walking quite freely too.

“The swelling on his ankle has gone down quite considerably as well and he certainly doesn’t look like someone who is going to need an operation.

“He’s an important player for us so having him back sooner rather than later would give us all a really big boost.

“We won’t know for definite until Ben goes in for further examination which is likely to happen either this Friday or Monday.

“But with two players already out injured after operations we could certainly do without a third.”

Striker David Mooney (ankle) and Ryan Inniss (shoulder) have both already had surgery this season after suffering injuries.

And the duo are not expected to return to action for the Shrimpers until at least the end of January.