SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell could move forward his summer spending plans to bolster his injury-hit squad.

Blues currently have 10 players on the sidelines, five of which have suffered season-ending injuries.

And Powell is therefore seeking ways to make new signings during the forthcoming January transfer window.

“I’ve spoken to Ron and the board at length and maybe our plans will move from the summer to January,” said the Blues boss.

“Of course we have to be careful and financially prudent.

“We will have to wait and see what is available and what’s suitable financially too.

“But we may have to juggle things around to make it work for us.”

Left-back Ben Coker, striker Tom Hopper, defender Harry Kyprianou, winger Sam Barratt and youngster Lewis Gard have all been ruled out for the rest of the season while defenders Harry Lennon and Jason Demetriou are out until the New Year.

Centre-back Rob Kiernan and goalkeeper Ted Smith both remain sidelined while striker Simon Cox missed last night’s Checkatrade Trophy clash at Luton Town with a knee injury.

And Powell is fully aware of the problems he is facing.

“The problem is if we bring in four or five then we’re going to have an inflated squad come the end of the season,” said Powell.

“There has to be a balance in bringing players in and we may have to look at loans and permanent signings.

“Whether that’s a young player or someone not playing regularly we will wait and see.

“We’ve got names and lists but are they available?

“If they’re scoring goals and flying at a club then they won’t want to let them go.

“We will have to be creative in the loan market from Premier League and Championship teams or bring in players that might not be part of a club moving forwards.

“But we will wait and see.”

However, Powell is still hopeful his current crop of available players will also step up to the plate and impress.

“What might happen is that some players already here might step up and say actually I can do this job,” added the Shrimpers chief.