Manager Neil Cox gave his team news and views ahead of this weekend’s Southend United away clash, as the Iron look to make it four away wins on the bounce.
The United boss first dealt a massive blow in his pre-match interview that forward Kevin van Veen will be missing for 10 weeks with a hamstring tear.
He said: “We’ve still got one or two injuries and we’ve got a couple of bad ones at the moment. We’re just waiting for a bit more certainty on one or two of them, but we know that a couple will miss out for the long-term. It’s not looking good.
“Kev went for a scan after feeling a problem in his hamstring after trying to train last week. It looks as though a tear has shown up and that’ll mean he will be 10 weeks on the sidelines, which is a massive blow for us.
"He will have some time away from the place. He has to have an injection which will mean he’s away from the building. We will manage him and the physios will do a great job, as they always do."
Harrison McGahey was withdrawn in midweek towards the end of the first-half, with the manager giving an update on his circumstances: “He’s had a scan today. We’re just waiting for the results and we’re hopeful that it’s not going to be too long, but you can never be sure when it’s a hamstring.
“There are a few big decisions to make. Yet again, I will probably have to leave people out to rest them and I’ve got one or two knocks in there that I’ll have to be careful with. We’ve got a couple of long term injuries now and I’ve got to make sure that I don’t get anybody else.”
The Iron come up against a Southend United side who, although sitting bottom of the table, have picked up four of their six points so far this season in their last six games.
“It’s going to be a tough test this weekend. Everyone expects us to go there and get something,” he continued, talking to iFollow Iron.
“I’ve been watching them closely and they’re starting to pick up a little bit of form. I don’t think results have been going for them, especially with the last couple of games that I’ve watched. We’ve got to be mindful of what we do really.
“We’ve got to go there and set up like we have been doing away from home and put in a proper display. We want to make sure we keep playing forward, like we have been doing, and carry on creating chances. Our boys have got to make sure they’re ready for a physical battle.”
Fans will be present at Roots Hall, with the Essex-based club in Tier Two, with around 2,000 Shrimpers supporters set to bring some atmosphere to an Iron game for the first time since March.
“Fans will be back in, which is a good start for them and it’s a good start for us too, as it’ll be good to play with a crowd there,” he stated.
“It’s the start of what we’re all looking forward to. We can’t wait until we can get them back in at our home games. I think it’ll be beneficial to us and they’ll be able to see what we’re trying to do.
“It’s a tough task, but we go there full of confidence after a good display on Tuesday. As long as we put in good performances, the results will take care of themselves.”
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