SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher has confirmed midfielder Noor Husin will be staying with the Shrimpers this week.

Husin’s national side, Afghanistan, face Qatar in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday before also taking on Kuwait the following Tuesday.

But Husin will not be teaming up with the squad as Afghanistan’s main players have opted to boycott the games due to how their national body is spending funds received from FIFA.

Husin will now be free to feature against Chesterfield on Saturday but on loan striker Daniel Kanu will miss out after his selection in the Sierra Leone squad.

Blues boss Maher said: “Daniel will not be with us for Saturday after his call up but Noor is staying with us.”