Southend United manager Steve Tilson today revealed Shrimpers striker Lawrie Dudfield has been forced to miss pre season training sessions with a knee injury.

The 24-year-old forward picked up the problem during a routine drill at Basildon's Gloucester Park but has yet to discover the extent of the knock.

"In a game of keep ball, Lawrie came down and felt a tweak in his knee," confirmed Tilson.

"It's on the outside of his leg and there's some pain there so we're going to get it looked at.

"We don't know how bad it is at the moment but apart from that, everyone is looking good at the moment.

"The lads obviously did a lot of work during the summer because we've been on the track and running over the hills and they look strong."

Tilson also added midfielder Carl Pettefer had resumed full training as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg sustained last April at Huddersfield Town

"We're easing Carl back into things gently but he joined in with the rest of the lads yesterday," he said.

"His operation was a success but we don't want to push him too hard too quickly because that could put him back two or three weeks.

"But at the moment I can't see any reason why he won't start the season."

Published Friday July 9, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo