SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown has made five changes to his starting line-up for this afternoon’s game against Bristol Rovers at Roots Hall.

Daniel Bentley has been preferred to Paul Smith in goal while Anthony Straker has come in for Chris Barker at left-back.

Ryan Leonard and Matthew Lund have also been recalled with Kevan Hurst dropping down on the bench, along with Mark Phillips, meaning Tamika Mkandawire will start at centre-back.

He partners Ryan Cresswell who skippers the side while the final change comes in attack where Freddy Eastwood has been selected instead of Ben Reeves as part of a 4-3-3- formation.

Reeves has not even been named on the bench, but youngsters Mitchell Pinnock and Seedy Njie have both been selected among the substitutes.

Southend United: Bentley, Clohessy, Cresswell, Mkandawire, Straker, Lund, Laird, Leonard, Assombalonga, Corr, Eastwood

Substitutes: T Smith, Hurst, Phillips, Tomlin, Barker, Njie & Pinnock