Mark Gower returns to the fold for today's trip to Port Vale after recovering from a back injury.
In attack, two changes will see Leon Clarke return after he was cup-tied for the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Blackpool to partner Eric Odhiambo, who replaces Matt Harrold.
Adam Barrett will also make his 150th appearance for Southend at left-back against a Port Vale side who are currently 23rd in the table and managerless after they parted company with Martin Foyle on Wednesday.
Southend: Collis, Hunt, Richards, P Clarke, Barrett, Bailey, Maher, McCormack, Gower, L Clarke, Odhiambo.
Subs: Flahavan, Wilson, Black, Foran, Harrold.
Port Vale: Anyon, McGregor, Lowe, Pilkington, Talbot, Edwards, Harsley, Rocastle, Whitaker, Rodgers, McGoldrick.
Subs: Richards, Willock, Miller, Hulbert, Tudor.
