DONCASTER Rovers will be missing key striker Paul Heffernan for the second leg after he was dismissed late on at Roots Hall for head-butting Blues left back Charlie Mulgrew.

The experienced striker, who has bagged nine goals this season, will serve a three-match suspension and would therefore also miss the final if Doncaster make it to Wembley.

Their manager Sean O'Driscoll missed the incident but revealed Heffernan was distraught at the red card.

"I didn't see it but I spoke to the referee and he said it was a headbutt and we have to accept that," said O'Driscoll.

"It's disappointing for him, he's going to miss three games and he's devastated in the dressing room now. But he's got to take it on the chin and move on."

O'Driscoll, who lost player of the year Richie Wellens to a hernia problem prior to kick-off, added: "Southend showed they are a good side and I'm sure the game next week will be just as tight.

"We had a spell in the second half where if we had got a goal we would probably have got on top, but you have to give them some credit.

"The sending-off meant it was backs to the wall for the last five minutes but they are a good side. One defeat in 15 bears testament to that and it will be a tough game at home.

"I think all 22 players deserve a pat on the back. It was a tight game."

Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan is also expecting another tight encounter on Friday and refused to get carried away over his team's chances.

"Form goes out of the window for these games," he said.

"We do have a good home record and the fans will be right behind us, but the teams are closely matched and anything could happen."

2:15pm Monday 12th May 2008

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