TOMMY Black does not expect to be facing a long spell on the sidelines despite suffering another setback with his hamstring injury.

The Southend United winger was forced to limp off for the reserves during his comeback against Stevenage Borough on Tuesda, which finished goalless.

But he soon expects to be back challenging for a first team slot.

"It doesn't feel too bad but we need to make sure it's right before I play again," said Black, 27.

"I need to rest it for about a week and not rush coming back because that's only going to make things worse."

Black originally picked up the injury during training two weeks ago and was forced to miss the trips to Northampton Town and Nottingham Forest.

He made in onto the bench for last weekend's FA Cup clash with Rochdale but will again be absent this weekend when Cheltenham Town visit Roots Hall.

"You don't know how it's going to react until you give it a go but it just didn't feel right in the reserves the other day," said Black.

"I felt it early on and then again when I made run a bit later on. It was very uncomfortable and I clearly wasn't 100 per cent.

"That's why it made more sense to come off and not make things any worse.

"It's obviously disappointing and it's the first time I've ever suffered a muscle injury during my career.

"But the good news is it's feeling much better already and although we shall have to wait and see how it goes I really don't think I'm going to be out for that long."

>BLUES boss Steve Tilson has made no breakthrough in his bid to bring in a loan player.

"There have been no new developments with that," he confirmed.