Paul Smith released from hospital

Southend United goalkeeper Paul Smith was released from hospital this morning.

The 32-year-old had to be substituted after 18 minutes of last night's 1-0 defeat at Gillingham, having been knocked unconscious during a collision with Deon Burton.

He required nine minutes of medical attention on the pitch, before regaining consciousness and being taken to a local hospital for a routine scan.

Although the scan showed that no serious damage was sustained, Smith is likely to miss Saturday's home match against Exeter City with a neck injury.