SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock has made two changes to his starting line-up for this afternoon's game against Oxford United with Britt Assombalonga and Marc Laird both being named in the side.

Assombalonga returns after recovering from an ankle problem and replaces Gavin Tomlin in attack after he picked up a thigh injury in training yesterday.

The other change comes in midfield where the fit again Marc Laird has replaced Ryan Leonard who drops to the bench.

New loan signings Caolan Lavery and Ben Reeves have also been selected among the substitutes.

Southend United: Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Phillips, Barker, Spillane, Hurst, Laird, Timlin, Assombalonga, Corr

Subs: Straker, Eastwood, Lavery, Prosser, Bentley, Leonard & Reeves