SOUTHEND United striker Barry Corr has been ruled out for at least the next three months after undergoing surgery on a long term knee injury.

But Blues boss Paul Sturrock does not expect to recruit a replacement on loan before the deadline for loan signings closes today.

Corr, who top scored with 21 goals for Southend last season, has not figured since May.

Yet Sturrock is perfectly happy to continue with the forwards he has in his squad.

“As things stand, I don’t expect to bring in a striker or any other player before the deadline closes,” said Sturrock.

“I will have a look and see what options are out there, but the problem I have is clubs will only let out their players if they’re going to play.

“But we haven’t lost in 15 matches so how could I suddenly turn round to one of my players and tell them I’m leaving them out for someone else who I’ve decided to bring in?

“It’s a tricky situation but we do still have a few options in attack and we’re also right on our wage cap limit at the moment so that would also pose problems if we did find someone who we wanted to bring in.”

Liam Dickinson, Neil Harris and Blair Sturrock remain Blues’ main forwards but both Bilel Mohsni and Ryan Hall have also been pushed further forward to figure in more attacking positions this term.

Last season, Corr was Southend’s star in attack as he become the first forward in five years to score 20 goals in a season for the club.

However, Sturrock still hopes Corr can figure towards the end of the current campaign.

“We’ve been told the operation was successful and that’s really good news,” said the Scotsman.

“It’s obviously a huge blow for Barry and he will be out for around three to four months, but we are still hopeful he might be able to figure for the final six weeks of the season.

“It’s been a hugely frustrating time for him but we hope this operation can completely cure the knee problem he’s been plagued with.”

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO