SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher insists the Shrimpers will be able to field a team against Maidenhead United on Tuesday night.

Blues currently have just 10 players available for the National League clash at Roots Hall.

But Maher has appealed the red cards shown to both Harry Taylor and Gus Scott-Morriss at York City on Saturday.

And the Shrimpers chief is holding talks with the league in a bid to bolster his depleted squad.

“It’s very hard,” said Maher.

“It’s well documented about the red cards we’re appealing.

“We’re waiting on the outcomes of them which will dictate quite a bit.

“We’ve gone one or two injuries we need to look at and manage as well.

“It’s last minute off the back of a long journey but we will get a team out.”

Goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi is doubtful with an ankle injury while skipper Nathan Ralph is again likely to be missing with an ankle problem of his own.

Defender Louis Lomas is still absent with a groin problem and midfielder Oli Coker is struggling with a hamstring issue.

Taylor and Scott-Morriss are both currently suspended following their red cards against York.

But Blues will not find out if they are available to play until Tuesday afternoon.

And that also poses problems for Maher.

"There’s a knock on affect with when we find out if they’re available," said Maher.

"Once we know we will go to the league and see what we can do.

"There’s a lot to do and we can only react off what comes."

The Shrimpers are restricted with who they can bring in due to a transfer embargo which has been in place since last September.

And Maher remains frustrated by events off the field.

"The sooner this club gets back to talking about the football the better," said Maher.

"The players have been brilliant and they’re showing loyalty they’re not getting back.

"We’re here now but the football club will hopefully be here longer than us.

"But we’re dealing with stuff we shouldn’t have to deal with and it’s not just me, it’s everyone at the club."

Blues go into the game bottom of the table after being docked 10 points for inancial irregularities while Maidenhead sit 17th.