SOUTHEND United defender Nathan Ralph remains ‘touch and go’ for Saturday’s trip to Halifax Town.

Ralph had to be taken off during the second half of last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Wrexham due to concussion.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is still unsure if Ralph will recover in time to line up at the Shay.

“We’re touch and go with Nathan Ralph,” said Brown.

“Hopefully he can get through this week unscathed and be available for Saturday.

“I’ll be guided by the physios, the medical experts and the player himself.

“If the doctors say we can’t do it, then we can’t do it, it’s as simple as that.”

Shaun Hobson looks let to replace Ralph if he is ruled out but Brown confirmed youngster Charlie Sayers would also be added to the squad.

Sayers impressed Brown during Monday’s Premier League Cup clash with Fulham.

And Brown was also pleased to see midfielder Will Atkinson play 85 minutes of the match as he continues to push for his first start since returning to Roots Hall.

“Will worked tirelessly on Monday night and he got the best out of Lewis Gard and O’Shane (Stewart) alongside him,” said Brown.

“They’ve seen how much energy he puts in and he’s close because of that.

“I’ll look at him in training but it’s a difficult one because we deserved to win against Wrexham and played ever so well.

“Am I going to make changes after that? I might have to with Nathan Ralph but if I make any more is that reward for a good performance?”

Fellow midfielder Abu Ogogo has missed Blues' last two matches with a hamstring problem.

But Brown is hopeful Ogogo will soon be back in action.

"Abs is close and he’s a big player for us," said Brown.

"When he does come back he’s going to have to fight for a place and that’s music to my ears."

The Shrimpers will again be without left-back Tom Clifford who has an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out until November.