SOUTHEND United skipper Sam Mantom has called on the Shrimpers to rally together amid their injury crisis.

Tom Hopper, Ben Coker and Harry Lennon all suffered serious setbacks last week to leave Blues boss Chris Powell short of options.

But, although Mantom cannot believe the bad run of injuries, he wants Blues to be able to battle through.

“When you look at the injury situation it takes your breath away and I just can’t believe what’s happened but the whole squad has to step up now,” said Mantom.

“It’s been horrible to see so many of the lads get injured and we all wish them the best but we have a minimal squad now which means everyone will get a chance.

“The manager spoke to us before the Coventry game and said no matter how old you are you will get a chance and it’s up to people to take that opportunity.

“It’s not ideal but it’s happened and we have to work together to keep on getting the good results like we’ve had in the last month.”

Top scorer Hopper will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury along with winger Sam Barratt and promising midfielder Lewis Gard.

Centre-back Lennon is out until the New Year with a fractured leg while Blues Coker will also not play again this season due to the knee injury he sustained at Sunderland on Saturday.

But Mantom is still confident the Shrimpers can cope and is focused on getting back on track at Barnsley this weekend.

“Oakwell is a tough place to go and their fans make a lot of noise, which helps them, but we’re going there wanting to get the frustration of Saturday out of our system,” said Mantom.

“We played well in the first half at Sunderland and if one of our chances go in or we get that penalty which outrageously wasn’t given then it could have been a different game.

“But that’s gone now and we have to focus on Saturday.”

Blues will head to fourth-placed Barnsley sitting 12th in the League One standings.

And Mantom will again be making the trip as the Shrimpers skipper, a role the midfielder is already relishing.

“I’m loving it and it’s a real honour for me to be captain,” said the 26-year-old.

“I had only been captain for one game before when I was at Walsall so it’s something new but it’s not really about me.

“The manager wants everyone in the squad to have a say and that’s the way I think it should be too.”