SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is unsure whether skipper Nathan Ralph will be fit to feature against Gillingham on Saturday.

Ralph suffered an ankle injury during the 2-0 win against Bishop's Stortford at the weekend and left the RDA Stadium with his foot in a protective boot.

But Maher does not know if Ralph will be back in time to face the Gills.

“It’s a bit too early to tell,” said Maher.

“He was able to put some weight on it today and he’s out of the boot as well which is good.

“We’ll see how he is in the next few days.”

And Maher is also keeping tabs on defender Harry Taylor who suffered a cut on his forehead during the opening pre-season friendly against Great Wakering Rovers.

“He’s joined in with some non-contact work,” said Maher.

“But he’s still got the cut and we’ve got to manage what he does.”