SOUTHEND United defender John White was forced to miss Saturday’s win at Weymouth through injury.

White was forced off during the Boxing Day draw at Bromley after clattering into the advertising hoardings.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher confirmed the 35-year-old was not yet ready to return.

“John was struggling with it this week,” said Maher, after the game on Saturday.

“He trained yesterday for a period but this one was too soon.

“People who have been training were ready to go and that’s important.”