SOUTHEND United will be without the suspended Simon Cox for tonight's clash with Walsall.

Cox - who has scored five goals in his last six games - was sent off against Coventry City on Saturday.

And Blues boss Chris Powell must decide who will replace the striker with Tom Hopper, Theo Robinson and Shawn McCoulsky all pushing for a place in the starting line-up.

“I’ve got to look at it but it will open the door for someone else,” said Powell.

“It’s a good opportunity after Saturday for one or two people who think they should be in the team and if they get the opportunity against Walsall then they have to take it.

“But one of the bonuses of having a midweek game is that Simon’s suspension will be served quickly and he will be back with us for the Sunderland game."