JASON Demetriou is free to figure for Southend United against Oxford tonight after the Shrimpers successfully appealed against the red card the right-back received at Northampton Town on Saturday.

Demetriou was shown a straight red card when bringing down Paul Anderson for a penalty at the start of the second half.

But he has now avoided having to serve a one match suspension, much to the delight of Blues boss Phil Brown.

"It's good news that Jason can play tonight as he's an integral player for us," said Brown.

"It's certainly given us a nice boost going into the game."