SOUTHEND United midfielder James Dunne was forced to miss the Shrimpers' opening day clash at King's Lynn after suffering a groin injury in training.

Dunne had been due to start for Blues in the centre of the park.

But Southend boss Brown was forced to change things around.

"Jimmy tightened his groin up a bit on Tuesday," confirmed Brown.

"It was a spanner in the works to a certain extent because he would’ve been playing.

"But all the midfielders did well in there and if Jimmy Dunne is fit for next week then it gives me a bit of a headache."

With Dunne on the sidelines, Nathan Ferguson, Abu Ogogo and Harry Phillips were all selected for the Shrimpers who triumphed 1-0.