JIMMY Kebe could miss out on lining up for Southend United’s under 21 team against Bournemouth this afternoon.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown had been hoping to see the former Reading winger in action against the Cherries.

But Blues have yet to receive the necessary clearance for Kebe to figure in the game.

“If we get the clearance in time for him to play then Jimmy will play but we haven’t been able to sort it at the moment so we don’t know what’s going to happen just yet,” confirmed Brown.

“It would obviously be good to see Jimmy in action in a game to get a greater idea of things because he’s been looking really good in training.

“He’s certainly maintained his ability and pace and there have been times during the last week when I think virtually all of us have stopped and thought wow.

“We’re doing all we can for him to play today but it’s out of our hands now really.”

Kebe, 32, played for Lens B and also had loan spells with Châteauroux and Boulogne at the start of his career before teaming up with Reading in 2008.

Kebe made 180 appearances during a five year spell with the Royals and scored 31 goals before also lining up for Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

Most recently, Kebe had been playing in Turkey and therefore requires international clearance to be able to play for the Shrimpers.

However, Blues will definitely still be fielding a strong side against the Cherries even if Kebe is not granted permission.

Echosport understands Ted Smith, Ryan Inniss, Jakub Sokolik, Luke O’Neill, Adam King, Jack Bridge, Harry Kyprianou, David Mooney and Marc-Antoine Fortune will all be in action.

And boss Brown is keen for players to top up their match sharpness.

“We will be fielding a strong team of senior players because I feel as though we have a lot of people who need to be topping up their minutes at the moment,” said Brown.

“The games are about to be coming thick and fast with FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy matches to contend with so we’re going to be needing the whole squad.

“We need those coming in to be up to speed and that’s why many of them will be playing today against Bournemouth.”

Michael Timlin is not yet quite ready to return from a hamstring to face the Cherries.

And Adam Barrett is also not expected to play despite not featuring in Blues’ last three first team matches.