Southend Untied will trial former Milton Keynes Dons striker Izale McLeod and ex-Cheltenham Town forward Elvis Hammond this evening.

United's reserve side, under the guidance of player/coach Graham Coughlan, kick-off their season against Oxford United tonight (7pm).

And first team manager Paul Sturrock will run the rule over McLeod and Hammond against the U's.

McLeod, 25, made his name at Milton Keynes Dons where he scored 54 goals in 116 appearances during his three-years with the side.

That form saw him move to Charlton Athletic for £1.1m in 2007 but his time with the Addicks has been hampered by injury.

He has scored three goals in 31 appearances and was loaned to Colchester, Millwall and Peterborough United.

Ghanaian Hammond has spent the last two seasons with Cheltenham Town making 46 appearances and scoring 9 goals. He has also enjoyed time with Leicester City and Fulham as well as loan spells at Bristol Rovers and Norwich City.

Meanwhile, defender Peter Gilbert makes his return from an ankle injury against Oxford. The former Northampton Town full-back has been missing since pre-season after picking up the problem against Derby County.

He is joined in the starting line-up by Bilel Mohsni and Adam Bouzid who completed their moves to Southend United today after receiving international clearance last night.

Tonight's match takes place at Didcot Town's Loop Meadow ground with entrance £6 for adults and £3 for under 16's and over 65's.

Southend: Rhys Evans, Adetayo Osifuwa, Johnny Herd, Bilel Mohsni, Peter Gilbert, Adam Bouzid, Sofiene Zaaboub, Ryan Hall, Elvis Hammond, Izale McLeod, Harry Crawford.

Subs: Daniel Bentley, Merrick James-Lewis, Kane Ferdinand, Anthony Furlonge, Jamie Stevens, Julian Okai, George Smith.