Southend United boss Paul Sturrock won't be making too many changes to his starting line-up tonight against Gillingham.

The Kent side visit Roots Hall in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy this evening.

And Sturrock looks set to name his strongest eleven in a bid to progress in the competition.

"I won't be making too many changes," confirmed Sturrock.

"It's important that the players continue to develop an understanding.

"Also, I would like to win the Trophy, so we will be going all out to beat Gillingham."

Sturrock will be without defender Sean Clohessy who serves a one match ban following his sending off at Bradford on Friday evening.

That means Josh Simpson is likely to deputise at right-back whilst Adam Bouzid could make his Blues debut.