Smith released from hospital

Southend goalkeeper Paul Smith was safely released from hospital on Wednesday morning having been knocked unconscious.

Smith required nine minutes of medical attention having been knocked out during a collision with Deon Burton early on in the League Two encounter at Priestfield.

The 32-year-old regained consciousness before being taken to a local hospital for a routine scan where it was confirmed he sustained no serious damage but did suffer a neck injury.

Smith is now likely to miss Saturday's home clash against Exeter.

Centre-back Mark Phillips was also forced off at half-time nursing a groin injury and is set to sit out at the weekend.