SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has promised to select a strong starting line-up for tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Oxford United.

The 57-year-old made eight changes to his team for the final group game of the competition which saw Blues beaten 4-0 at Stevenage.

But Brown will not be doing the same this evening.

“I’ll be putting a strong team out tonight because we will need one to beat Oxford and get through,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“They are a decent side and we saw that at Roots Hall not so long ago when we played them in the league.

“We beat them 2-1 that night and it would be great to do that again because this is the last cup we’re in and we want a good run in it.

“The changes I made against Stevenage were a warning sign for me and emphasised the lack of strength in depth.

“But I’ll be going as strong as I can for this game.”

The clash will also be the Shrimpers’ first match since drawing 0-0 at Walsall 10 days ago.

And Brown hopes the break will have done Blues good.

“The break came at a welcome time for us,” said the Southend boss.

“Hopefully we’ll see the benefit of it tonight and on Saturday as well at home to Coventry.

“That’s another big game for us at Roots Hall where we play four of our five games this month.”