Southend United boss Phil Brown has admitted that he thought about bringing off Cian Bolger moments before the player was sent off against Plymouth Argyle.
The Blues lost 2-0 having played more than 75 minutes with 10 men after Bolger was dismissed following consecutive challenges on Marvin Morgan.
However, Brown suggested that the thought of substituting the Irish defender just before he was given his marching orders.
He told reporters: "Cian will quickly learn about the physical side of the division. I thought about making a change after the second incident, but the third incident happened so quickly after we didn't have time to make it."
Goals from Lewis Alessandra and Reuben Reid gave Argyle victory in the League Two contest.
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