SOUTHEND United midfielder Alan McCormack was forced to miss Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Morecambe after suffering a calf problem in training.

McCormack had been looking forward to lining up at Roots Hall for the first time since returning to the club last week.

But Blues boss Mark Molesley was unable to call upon the Irishman.

"Alan picked up a minor calf strain in training yesterday," said Molesley.

"He hasn’t had the same pre-season the other players have.

"It’s a slight strain and it’s bitterly disappointing.

"But he came out of training when he felt it.

"Hopefully it’s a grade one and will be a week or two but I’ll get more clarification from the physio."

And Molesley also confirmed defender John White and striker Simeon Akinola had also pulled up in training. 

"They also pulled up with minor strains," added Molesley.