Manager Paul Sturrock has made three changes to his starting line-up to face Port Vale this afternoon.

Graham Coughlan, Matt Paterson and Sofiene Zaaboub are all handed starts against the Valiants.

That means that centre-back Bilel Mohsni will take his place on the substitutes bench after receiving international clearance this week.

Making way for the trio are Josh Simpson, Mark Phillips and Barry Corr who are named amongst the substitutes.

Former Vale defender Luke Prosser hangs onto his place in the centre of the Blues defence against his former side.

Southend: Morris, Clohessy, Coughlan, Grant, Easton, Paterson, Zaaboub, Prosser, Soares, Sturrock, Barker.

Subs: Simpson, Mohsni, Corr, Hall, Phillips, Evans, Spencer.