SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown wants his side to kick start their season at AFC Wimbledon tomorrow.

The Shrimpers slipped to 13th in the League One standings following Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Shrewsbury Town.

But Brown is keen to get back on track against the Dons in Blues' first game of 2018.

“Wimbledon is never an easy place to go but it’s the start of a new year and we want to go there and kick-start our season.

“We thought we had done that against Charlton on Boxing Day but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.”

Blues started slowly against the second-placed Shrews at Roots Hall and found themselves 2-0 down at half-time before improving after the break.

But as the Shrimpers bid to bounce back Brown seems set to change his starting line-up with defender Anton Ferdinand and midfielder Josh Wright both doubtful for the game.

Ferdinand limped off with a knee problem after just 12 minutes against the Shrews, while Wright had to be substituted with a hamstring injury in the second half, and Brown is unsure either will be fit enough to figure.

“They were both in for treatment today but they are very doubtful for the game,” said Brown.

“Anton’s knee locked out during the game and Josh had to go off with a hamstring injury.

“He had a fitness test on the morning of the match, which he came through with flying colours.

“He didn’t have to have any treatment at half-time but I was wary of his work-load so I was about to take him off just as he got the injury so we didn’t have much luck where that was concerned.”

John White and Jermaine McGlashan are in contention to replace the injured duo.

But Brown is also considering further changes and hinted that Michael Turner and Ben Coker could be rested.

“Ben has done superbly well since coming back in but he’s had four games now and we will have to see if he can deal with two games in three days,” said Brown.

“We will need to have a look at Michael too because he’s not getting any younger and he’s had two games in a short space of time on a heavy pitch.

"It’s not something I would normally do but I’ll be thinking the team over right up until an hour before kick-off.

“We have some youngsters who have been waiting for a chance, including Elvis Bwomono, Harry Kyprianou and Dru Yearwood, so it could be their time.”

And Brown may also be able to call on Michael Kightly, who has missed the last six games with a hamstring problem.

“Michael trained today and he’s thrown his hat in the ring but I have to decide what’s best,” added Brown.