SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell has spoken of his sadness after seeing Harry Lennon forced back onto the sidelines.

Lennon fractured his leg during Tuesday night's 3-0 win against Walsall in his first game back since suffering a broken toe on the opening day of the season.

And Powell is gutted to be without the centre-back until the New Year.

“It’s been a tough start for Harry at the club,” said the Blues boss.

“He had a really strong pre-season and scored against Leeds.

“He’s a good asset for us but after breaking his toe and coming back from that, unfortunately, 16 minutes in he’s gone into a tackle and it turns out he’s fractured his leg.

“We won’t see him again until the New Year and it was a real sour note on a night that went so well for us.”