SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has been boosted by the news that centre-back Rob Kiernan will not need an operation on a knee injury.

The defender - who missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle - visited a specialist yesterday afternoon.

But Brown expects the 26-year-old to be nearing a return in just two weeks time.

“With the pain Rob was suffering in his knee we were fearful he was going to need an operation, but thankfully it’s good news and that’s not the case,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“He had a knee injury about four or five years ago now, which sometimes flares up but it doesn’t normally stop him.

“This time it was more painful than usual so we had it checked out and the way it was described to me was that we had made the tendons angry.

“I asked how we calmed them down and he just needs to rest.

“There’s no exact time limit but hopefully in a couple of weeks everything will have settled down and he’ll be fine to resume training.

“It’s obviously disappointing to be without him for a couple of weeks but I’m pleased it isn’t anything more serious.”

Kiernan joined Blues from Glasgow Rangers on the eve of the new season and Brown believes a sudden increase in his work-load could have resulted in the centre-back being forced to the sidelines.

“Rob trained for the first time the day before the Blackburn game and then ended up playing twice in quick succession the following week, which we didn’t envisage happening,” said Brown.

“But hopefully he will be back soon.”

In Kiernan’s absence, John White will continue alongside Anton Ferdinand at the heart of the back four.

But Brown believes White fully deserves to start no matter what other defenders were fit to start.

“Even if Rob Kiernan and Michael Turner were available at the weekend I would be loathed to take John White out of there if I’m honest,” said Brown.

“He didn’t finish last season in the side but he got himself a year extension and he looks a different player now.

“He looks very comfortable at centre-back and it seems to suit him.”