HAVING been undone by one of their former strikers at the weekend, attention will now switch towards the capabilities of Southend United’s current crop of forwards.

Blues were unable to bolster their attacking options before the window closed for loan signings on Thursday night as a swoop for Paul Benson eventually proved unsuccessful.

And only time will tell if that will prove costly during what will be the most hectic and arguably one of the most important stages of the season.

Southend face a flurry of fixtures in a variety of competitions in the next couple of weeks before they will then also attempt to tackle the important Christmas period.

But, despite the lofty league position, there has to be a concern about the striking options manager Paul Sturrock currently has at his disposal.

The Scotsman again partnered Liam Dickinson with Neil Harris in attack against Bristol Rovers at the weekend and they combined well to put Blues ahead.

But there were limited attacking options on the substitutes’ bench if a change had been required and that lack of alternative options remains a concern.

Dickinson has emerged as a real key player for Blues this season, due to his ability to put opposing defences under pressure and allow his team-mates the space to shine.

But he is now just one booking away from suspension and is also still playing through the pain with a troublesome ankle injury.

He could therefore be forced to the sidelines at some stage, as could 34-year-old Harris, but, with Barry Corr now needing surgery which will keep him out for most of the season, there is little back up.

Blair Sturrock can always be relied upon to give his best but he is not a goalscoring threat, while Bilel Mohsni is not a natural forward.

So far that has not been a problem as Blues have not been beaten in their last 16 outings.

But they will now desperately be hoping their strikers stay to fit during December to provide the firepower needed to continue the club’s current run and their push for promotion.