SOUTHEND United striker Noel Hunt will be hoping to stay clear of the substitutes’ bench at Shrewsbury Town tonight – but he will still be looking towards it.

Hunt looks set to return to Shrimpers’ starting line-up in place of the unavailable Tyrone Barnett at Greenhous Meadow this evening.

But the Irishman will also be awaiting news from the sidelines as his wife Alana is now close to giving birth.

“The baby is due in a couple of weeks now so she’s got the physio’s number in her phone and will contact him if anything happens during the game,” said Hunt.

“Benji (Clarkson) is on standby to pass on any news but hopefully there won’t be any tonight because I won’t be able to do too much if I’m in Shrewsbury!”

Blues head into this evening’s encounter sitting ninth in the League One standings.

And Hunt, who been on the bench for Blues’ last two games, is desperate to be handed a recall as Phil Brown’s side attempt to push closer to the play-off positions.

“Of course I’m keen to play because that’s exactly what I came here to do,” stressed the 33-year-old.

“It’s good we have this competition for places and that’s the way it should be.

“I’ve been on the bench for the last couple of games and whether I agree with that or not is not the point.

“We stopped what was happening and we’ve shored it up too.

“Beating Coventry was a positive result and we want another one against Shrewsbury now.”

However, the Shrews – who sit just above the relegation zone – will also be heading into the game on a high after beating Championship club Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Micky Mellon’s side will now face Manchester United in the last 16 later this month.

And Hunt is expecting another difficult game.

“Shrewsbury had a great win in the cup and they’re going to be feeling good about themselves again,” said the forward.

“They’re a good team despite where they are in the league and they have plenty of options so it’s definitely going to be a hard match.”