SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock has made four changes to his starting line-up for this afternoon’s game at Accrington Stanley.

Two of the alterations come in defence where Mark Phillips (toe) and Chris Barker (calf) both failed late fitness tests meaning Luke Prosser and Anthony Straker have been recalled to the side.

Prosser was also selected as captain and Sturrock made two changes in the midfield where Michael Spillane and Marc Laird both return after being cup tied for the midweek win at Leyton Orient.

Spillane comes in for the injured Michael Timlin while Marc Laird replaces Alex Woodyard who was one of five substitutes named by Sturrock as both Neil Harris and Freddy Eastwood failed to make the journey.

Southend United: Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Prosser, Straker, Leonard, Spillane, Laird, Hurst, Reeves, Assombalonga

Substitutes: Lavery, Corr, Bentley, Spicer & Woodyard