Southend United's Barry Corr on standby to start Leyton Orient clash in defence

Mark Phillips, who has missed Blues’ last three games with a toe problem, faces another late fitness test before the clash which will be played in front of a bumper Roots Hall crowd..

And if he fails to make it then Corr has no qualms about having to fill in at the back as Paul Sturrock’s side bid to protect their 1-0 lead from the first leg and reach Wembley for the first time in 83 years.

“I played an hour there against Northampton at the weekend and quite enjoyed it so if I have to do it again then I’ll just get on with it,” said Corr.

“I’m not sure if it will happen or not because I think the manager will be looking to get the others back fit and I think Mark Phillips and Chris Barker are getting closer to being fit.

“But if I end up there I’ll do my best to make sure I keep on heading it away and clearing my lines.

“I’d play anywhere the manager wants me to and I just want to play a part in helping us hopefully getting through to Wembley.”

Corr impressed at the back, following Bilel Mohsni’s red card, against the Cobblers on Saturday.

And Blues boss Sturrock has been working with the Irishman in training to help him in his new role.

“Barry did OK there at the weekend but there’s obviously a bit of naivety for him in that position because he hasn’t really played there before,” said Sturrock.

“We’ve worked on one or two things with him in training which should help him.

“It’s not ideal but with the injuries we have we don’t really have anyone else who can play there.”

Blues will definitely be without the cup tied Mickey Spillane and Marc Laird this evening while both Ryan Cresswell and Bilel Mohsni are suspended.

Gavin Tomlin (thigh), Michael Timlin (broken leg) and Caolan Lavery (hamstring) are also out while Chris Barker is doubtful with a calf problem.

More than 8,000 tickets have already been sold for the game, which starts at 7.15pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports Three.