IF ever there was a game to show just why Southend United should have signed a striker on loan, this was it.

Already lacking the injured Neil Harris and Barry Corr, along with the suspended Liam Dickinson, Blues then also lost Bilel Mohsni at Swindon Town on Saturday as he hobbled off after just 45 minutes.

That left manager Paul Sturrock incredibly short of attacking options and, as a result, his shot-shy side failed to trouble a makeshift Robins rearguard which had former Southend United midfielder Alan McCormack at the heart of it for more than a hour.

Embarrassingly the Irishman did not even have to break sweat in his unfamiliar role to keep Blues at bay.

And, when it came to trying to buck that trend in the second half, Sturrock was only able to introduce a different left-back and a defensive midfielder.

The addition of a striker on loan would have bolstered the boss’ options in the final third and would also allow Harris and Corr the time they truly need to recover from their respective injuries.

When the duo then regained full fitness and were joined back in the squad by Dickinson, the temporary signing could have returned to his parent club having himself had a taste of first team football.

Such a deal would therefore have satisfied all parties.

Instead, as it stands, Harry Crawford and Blair Sturrock remain Blues’ only recognised strikers not suffering from knocks.

And, while they cannot be faulted for effort, neither of them are prolific goalscorers.

That creates a conundrum for Sturrock senior, who will desperately be hoping Mohsni can recover in time to take on Gillingham tomorrow night.

But, if the Frenchman fails to make it, Sturrock could consider rushing back Harris or Corr or, failing that, finally delving in to the loan market for a forward.