SOUTHEND United defender Ben Coker is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after rupturing two knee ligaments against Sunderland on Saturday.

Coker was carried off against the Black Cats and is unlikely to play again this season. 

Blues boss Chris Powell said: “It’s a devastating blow, on top of what we’ve had recently, to lose Ben in such an innocuous way. I watched the video today and nobody is near him.

“We’ll miss him but it’s all about his health and getting him back to the level.

"He will work hard to achieve that and we will be alongside him all the way.”