SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has told his out of favour players to show they should earn a first team recall when they line up against Gillingham at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Brown has selected a strong starting line-up for the friendly against the Gills with Gary Deegan, Stephen McLaughlin and the fit-again Michael Timlin among those in action.

And the Shrimpers chief is placing huge importance of the behind closed doors game.

“Conceding seven without scoring in reply in our last two games means changes will be made at Swindon on Saturday and this is these players chance to show me they should come into the team,” said Brown.

“I fully understand they’ve been frustrated by a lack of games just recently but this is their chances to show they should play now.

“It’s a big game for them and whoever plays well will definitely put themselves in my thinking for this weekend.”

Defenders Luke O’Neill, Cian Bolger and Luke Prosser have also been selected in the side along with goalkeeper Ted Smith and striker Jason Williams.

Youngsters Jack Bridge and Harry Kyprianou complete the starting line-up.

But it is the return to action of Timlin which Brown is particular looking forward to.

“Michael is a very important player for us and we’ve definitely missed him during this injury,” said Brown.

“He’s a very influential player and I think the day he was captain at Millwall proved just that.

“The two home games we’ve had with them since then without Michael playing have led to them being chalk and cheese type performances.

“Hopefully Michael will come through the game today unscathed and he will be back in contention for Swindon on Saturday.”

Timlin has been absent with a heavily bruised foot and has been out of the squad for seven of the Shrimpers last eight games.