SOUTHEND United striker Simeon Akinola missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Crawley Town due to illness.

Akinola was absent against Morecambe on Tuesday night due to a groin problem.

But Blues boss Phil Brown confirmed it was sickness which forced the forward out at the weekend. 

"He was poorly on Thursday and Friday," said Brown.

"He couldn’t make it and he was feeling below par but hopefully he will be fighting fit from Monday."

And centre-back John White was not yet ready to return from an arm injury.

"John White had a mechnical problem with one of his arms and didn't feel confident enough going into what was going to be a physical game," added Brown.