Southend United boss Steve Tilson has admitted that it comes as a huge blow to lose winger Damian Scannell for the rest of the season.

Scannell's season with the Blues is over after it was confirmed that he had broken his fifth metatarsal on Tuesday night against Walsall.

That means the 24-year-old will be sidelined for the next eight weeks effectively finishing his campaign.

And manager Tilson said that it was a big loss to his side as they bid to avoid relegation.

"It is a massive blow to lose him as he has done really well of late," Steve told Blues Player this morning.

"But nothing surprises me this year. He has been our best player in the last eight or nine games so it's disappointing.

"It gives someone an opportunity though to get into the side and do well.

"He has been impressive but he's out of the side now so we have to move on."