SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher will be taking nothing for granted against Torquay United tomorrow.

The Gulls visit Roots Hall sitting 20th in the National League standings after suffering four defeats in succession.

But Maher believes Gary Johnson’s side will be hard to beat.

"There are no easy games at this level and if you don’t turn up then you will come unstuck,” said the Blues boss.

“They’ve had a difficult period and they’ve lost a lot of very good players in the summer.

“They’ve had to change quite a lot and it will take time to bed people in.

“But we’re expecting a very difficult game and we saw that when we played them in the last game of last season.

“We will need to be ready.”

Blues drew 1-1 with Torquay at Roots Hall on the final day of last season.

But the Shrimpers head into this weekend’s clash looking to build on Monday’s home win against Maidenhead.

“It was nice to get the win on Monday but we move on to Saturday now,” said Maher.

“We’re at home again and you want it to be a difficult place for teams to come.”

However, Blues again look set to be without seven players.

Strikers Rhys Murphy (knee) and Harry Cardwell (ankle) are both sidelined along with midfielder Harry Taylor (knee).

But a late decision will be made on skipper Nathan Ralph who missed out against Maidenhead due to a knee problem.

“He’s touch and go for Saturday,” said Maher.

“We have two days to prepare for the game now and we’ll see how he is.”

Midfielder Noor Husin, who has missed the last four games with a knee problem, is now back running.

But Maher does not expect him to feature tomorrow.

“Noor will be out on the grass today doing a bit of running,” said the Blues boss.

“Saturday will probably come too soon for him though.”

And goalkeeper Steve Arnold is again doubtful with the back problem which has seen him miss the last three matches.

“I’m not sure if he will make it for Saturday,” said Maher.

“We’re monitoring him and assessing him every day.

“It’s something that needs managing.”

Collin Andeng Ndi again looks set to continue between the sticks and Maher has been pleased with the Italian’s displays.

“He looks calm and composed, and the lads in front of him have helped in that respect,” said Maher.

“We don’t want to get too carried away but I’m pleased with him and everyone else.”

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