SOUTHEND United midfielder Franck Moussa is among those being considered for a starting role against Oldham Athletic at Roots Hall tonight.

Moussa, who recently returned to Roots Hall following his release from Charlton Athletic, was on the bench at Walsall on Saturday.

But Blues boss Phil Brown hinted the Belgian could be handed an opportunity to impress this evening.

“Franck Moussa was on the bench for the first time since coming back here at the weekend so he’s certainly in my thoughts for the Oldham game now,” said Brown.

“He’s getting fitter all the time and he survived a Gary Deegan challenge in a training match the other day so he must be nearly ready to play.

“But with four games to go there are certainly opportunities to look at different formations and players.”

And that could well include further opportunities for a trio of Blues’ on loan players.

“If Glen Kamara’s fit he’s in my thoughts and there’s a chance Sam McQueen could play a part from the start,” said Brown.

“Jamar Loza will probably play a part from the start but I’ve yet to finalise my team selection.”

The Shrimpers head into the clash sitting 13th in the League One table while Oldham remain in a fight to avoid relegation.

The Latics are 18th in the standings, three points above the bottom four.

But boss John Sheridan has helped Athletic work their way out of immediate danger and Brown feels that makes them tough opponents tonight.

“John Sheridan has really turned Oldham around since going in there,” said Brown.

“We won 5-2 at their place earlier on in the season and they looked like a club in disarray back then.

“But John has steadied the ship.

“We’ve watched them a couple of times and they more dogged and determined now so we’re in for a tough test.

“But if we bring our A game to the table we can get back to winning ways and that’s obviously the aim.”

However, for that to happen, Brown will be seeking further improvements in the final third.

“We’re expecting Oldham to sit back and I’ll be asking more from my players with the ball,” said the Blues boss.

“Defensively the attitude was spot on from the players at Walsall on Saturday but now we need to combined that with improvements going forward.”