SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown expects goalkeepers Mark Oxley and Ted Smith to miss the remainder of the season.

Oxley has not played for the first team since December after suffering two elbow injuries while Smith has missed the last five games with a wrist problem.

And Brown does not think the duo will be back in action until the start of next season.

“Mark will be out for the rest of the season and I think Ted will be too,” said Brown.

“Ted is nowhere near making a return at the moment and will be going to see a specialist because he might need an operation.”

The injury situation means Christian Walton’s loan spell from Brighton & Hove Albion will have to keep on being extended until the end of the season.