SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Mark Oxley will not need an operation on his injured elbow.

The former Hibernian shot-stopper missed the Boxing Day win against AFC Wimbledon after hyper-extending his elbow in training.

But scans have now shown that Oxley is only likely to be out of action for between two to four weeks, much to the relief of Shrimpers boss Phil Brown.

“I was really quite concerned that Mark was going to be out for much longer and that a month was going to be the minimum amount of time he would be out for,” said Brown.

“But we’ve got the scan results back and he’s going to be out of action for between two to four weeks so it’s certainly a lot better than I thought.

“I’m sure it’s still frustrating for Mark because he was playing really well and had played quite a few games in a row.

“But that’s come to an end and we will have to see how it responds to treatment.

“He’s torn a ligament in there and will have a further scan in another two weeks to see how the injury is improving and what needs to happen at that point.”

Oxley joined Blues in the summer and has played 24 times so far this season.

However, he was replaced against the Dons by Ted Smith who responded well by keeping a clean sheet at Roots Hall.

And Brown is now eager for Smith to make the most of his chance in the starting line-up.

“I’m sure Ted will have been waiting for a chance and it’s come his way now,” said Brown.

“He made a couple of important saves against Wimbledon to help us get a clean sheet and will be looking to build on that now.

“People coming into the team this year have done well when they’ve been given the opportunity and Ted will now be hoping to do the same and show he should be in the team even when Mark is back fit.

“I welcome that kind of competition for places and it should ultimately bring the best out of both of them which has to be a good thing.”

Smith, 20, came through the youth system at the Shrimpers and has now made 12 appearances for the first team.

The youngster will now also be eager to impress in this Saturday’s clash with Charlton Athletic which is likely to be watched by a bumper crowd at Roots Hall with more than 8,000 tickets having already being sold for the game.