Southend United boss Alan Little hopes to land a couple of Christmas presents for Blues supporters this week.

The Shrimpers chief wants to recruit a pair of loan signings to freshen up his squad before the Boxing Day clash with Northampton Town at Roots Hall.

"I'll be watching some games and following up a couple of leads on players over the next few days," revealed Little.

And the Seasiders' manager - already hunting for a proven midfielder - strongly hinted that he could be widening his search to accommodate a new defensive lynchpin.

Blues' worrying inability to clear their lines has left them nursing the fourth worst goals against record in the Third Division - a rearguard disease Little wants cured.

"We've got a problem at the back and I want to sort it out as quickly as possible," he added.

"The last few matches have seen us ship silly goals all over the place and I need to find a solution to our defending troubles, which can't be allowed to continue.

"I'm hoping to bring one or two players in on loan for the hectic Christmas programme, which sees us play three games in nine days.

"A lot of other clubs will be thinking the same thing, though, which may make our hunt for new faces even harder, but I will be trying my best."

Meanwhile, Little admitted he was growing concerned about the flu epidemic which has been causing havoc at Roots Hall.

Defender Leo Roget and midfielder Mark Tinkler both missed last Friday's 2-2 draw at York City after being bed-ridden by the bug, which is spreading through Blues' camp.

"The flu has hit us hard and is seriously affecting the number of fit players we're getting out on the training ground," Little said.

"Leo's been out of action for seven days now and Tinks has only just returned to work, but he's lost a stone in weight which is very worrying.

"Garry Cross and Neville Roach are our latest casualties, but at least Mark Beard, David Morley and Scott Houghton looked to have made a full recovery."

Blues have conceded 32 goals in 22 league outings this term, during which time they have managed to keep a paltry three clean sheets.

Only three other clubs have surrendered more goals than Southend - Carlisle, Chester and Shrewsbury, who are currently precariously poised above the Third Division relegation zone.

Southend's reserves were due to play an Avon Insurance Combination match away to Barnet yesterday afternoon.

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