SOUTHEND United winger Dan Mooney missed Saturday’s pre-season clash against Gillingham due to a slight knee problem.

Mooney has scored four goals in three warm up fixtures so far this summer.

But Blues boss Kevin Maher opted not to risk the 23-year-old at Roots Hall this afternoon.

“He landed awkwardly on his knee in the game the other night,” said Maher.

“He trained yesterday and was OK but it felt a bit tight.

“He wasn’t going to play anyway today, he was going to be on the bench and we didn’t want to take any risks but he’ll be ready for next week.”

Centre-back Louis Lomas was again also absent with a thigh problem while right-back Gus Scott-Morriss has yet to recover from a hamstring injury.

“With hamstrings you have to be so careful not to cause further damage,” said Maher.

“But we’ll try and get his minutes built up."

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>Match report from Blues' clash with Gillingham