Southend United FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

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• Capacity:NaN

Maher boost for Shrimpers

25 Apr 2007 - 07:39:15

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Southend United's bid to beat the drop has been boosted by the news that captain Kevin Maher has been cleared to play in the remaining two matches of the season.

The Blues skipper picked up his tenth caution of the season against Plymouth Argyle last weekend and the club initially feared the Irishman would be sidelined for the rest of the campaign through suspension.

But the FA have confirmed that bookings picked up after the second Sunday in April do not count towards a player's season total and Maher is free to play against Luton Town and Southampton.

"That's a massive boost for us as losing Kevin now would have been a big blow," manager Steve Tilson told the club's official website.

"We feared he'd be suspended as he got his tenth booking of the season, but as it turns out he will be available to play.

"Hopefully he can play a big part in helping us take maximum points from our last two matches."