SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has made two changes to his starting line-up for this afternoon’s clash at Oxford United – but there is no place in the squad for the returning Adam Barrett.

The centre-back, who has just completed a switch to the Shrimpers, picked up a slight leg injury in training on Friday.

And he will not be risked against the U’s.

As a result, Adam Thompson continues at the heart of the back four alongside Jerome Binnom-Williams.

But, at the other end of the field, new boy Jake Cassidy went straight in to the attack after signing on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He replaces Shaq Coulthirst and will partner fellow loanee Joe Pigott.

Blues’ other change has come in midfield where Will Atkinson has come in for Jack Payne who drops down on to the bench.

Southend United Bentley; White, Thompson, Binnom-Williams, Coker; Worrall, Leonard, Deegan, Atkinson; Pigott, Cassidy.

Substitutes: P Smith, Prosser, Timlin, Corr, Weston, Coulthirst & Payne.