Southend United boss Steve Tilson will have to juggle his defensive pack on Boxing Day when Northampton Town visit Roots Hall.

The Southend chief will be without defenders Adam Barrett and Dan Harding for the Cobblers festive visit with the duo serving one match suspensions.

Barrett was sent off during last Friday's 3-0 away defeat at Hartlepool United whilst Harding has accumulated five yellow cards this season.

That means that youngster Johnny Herd will make his league debut at left-back whilst Osei Sankofa is also expected to slot into defence.

With Barrett missing Tilson must also decide who will captain his side with both Peter Clarke and Alan McCormack front runners.

Blues will be boosted however by the news that striker Dougie Freedman has recovered from a shoulder injury.

Freedman picked up the knock against Huddersfield and missed last weeks trip to Hartlepool with the problem.

Belgian midfielder Franck Moussa is also available having returned from a successful loan spell with Wycombe Wanderers.