SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown faces a striking dilemma ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Rochdale.

Marc-Antoine Fortune netted on his full Shrimpers debut against Leyton Orient on Tuesday night while Brown was also pleased with Simon Cox’s display against the O’s.

But David Mooney is pushing for a start while the fit-again Nile Ranger could also be back in contention.

And that has left Brown with some tough decisions to make.

“I have real headaches at the top end of the pitch,” said Brown.

“I think Fortune has done enough (to start) but so has David Mooney and so has Simon Cox so it’s going to be a tough decision.

“Nile Ranger is now very, very close as well and will train with the first team today before we decide if he can play any part in the game.”

Blues will still be without Michael Timlin (hamstring) this weekend while right-back Jason Demetriou is also absent.

The 28-year-old is on international duty with Cyprus and is in contention to start tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Greece.

Luke O’Neill or John White are likely to take his place out wide while both Anton Ferdinand and Adam Barrett are expected to be handed recalls at the back.

Jermaine McGlashan and Stephen McLaughlin should also start after being rested against Leyton Orient.