SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Ted Smith was forced to miss Saturday's 1-1 draw with Crawley Town after suffering a slight knock in training.

Smith was replaced on the bench by Nathan Bishop.

But Blues boss Chris Powell does not expect the shot-stopper to be sidelined for long.

"Ted took a slight knock in training the other day," said Powell.

"We’re just being cautious and that's why Nathan Bishop was back on the bench.

"But hopefully Ted will be OK for next week."

Smith had been on the bench for Blues' 1-0 defeat at Barnsley last weekend having previously been ruled out for more than a year with a shoulder problem.