SOUTHEND United boss Paul Sturrock has ordered Ryan Hall to remain focused on his football and not the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The winger, who was Southend’s top scorer with 14 goals last season, has been linked with Nottingham Forest, Peterborough United and Millwall in recent weeks.

But Sturrock has ordered the 24-year-old to not let the transfer talk affect his form.

And the Scotsman will also not let Hall leave Roots Hall cheaply.

“If Ryan Hall is going to leave this football club, as far as I am concerned then it will be with a Southend United price tag next to his name,” said Sturrock.

“This club will not be bullied in any way into selling our players cheaply.

“Ryan was fantastic last season but I want him to get this out of his mind now.

“He is going to be out of contract at the end of the season and it is important that he puts in performances between now and then to enable him to pick up a club next season.

“Anthony Grant did exactly the same and we got good service out of him.

“He has moved on and everything was handled well as he was back on Tuesday night and we had a wee laugh and a chat.

“However, I think that Ryan is going to have to understand that his agent and the people he is listening to are filling his head with a lot of things. “

Sturrock has therefore held talks with Hall in a bid to keep him settled at Southend.

And he hopes the winger will now continue to impress for Blues.

“Ryan has got to play his football and I hope and pray he appreciates what I have told him,” said Sturrock.

“I spoke to him in front of the rest of the players and I hope he gets the 14 or 15 goals this season he is capable of.”