SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell feels having to field so many youngsters 'isn't normal'.

The Shrimpers boss included five academy products in his starting line-up for Saturday's 3-2 defeat against Burton Albion at Roots Hall, with a further five on the bench.

But Campbell believes he is having to take charge of Blues in difficult circumstances.

"I’m not going to dress it up, this is not normal," said Campbell.

"It’s not normal having so many young players in the side.

"I’ve not counted how many academy players are playing but I don’t think many teams in the country have this situation.

" I don’t know why people are surprised about where we are."

Blues remain second from bottom in League One.