Southend United's Gavin Tomlin could return against Barnet (From Echo)

Southend United's Gavin Tomlin could return against Barnet

12:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

GAVIN Tomlin could be recalled to the Southend United squad for tomorrow’s game with Barnet at Roots Hall.

The hard-working striker has missed Blues’ last three matches with a groin problem.

But he may return to take on the Bees.

“Gavin trained again yesterday and how he reacts to that will determine if he’s involved tomorrow or not,” said Southend boss Paul Sturrock.

“It would certainly be a boost if he was available because his work-rate is second to none and I think we’ve missed that while he’s been out.

“There’s a chance that Mark Phillips could also train today after recovering from his own groin injury and Paul Smith has had a few more days of training.

“He had only been back for one day before we played Burton and that’s why he didn’t play on Tuesday.

“But he’s now feeling sharper again and that’s also good news.”

However, Sturrock will definitely be without the suspended Barry Corr and John Spicer while Neil Harris (knee) and Ryan Leonard (hamstring) will also miss out.

Sturrock is therefore short of central midfielders with Michael Timlin the only recognised senior player available in that position.

And the Blues boss has therefore been forced to try new things in training.

“We will come up with something and I’ll be having a look at one or two things today,” said Sturrock.

“We will be seeing how people get on in there before making what we think will be the best decision for tomorrow’s game.”

Southend United (from): Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Prosser, Barker, Hurst, Timlin, Martin, Eastwood, Assombalonga, Tomlin, Benyon, Straker, Phillips, Bentley, Woodyard & Njie