SOUTHEND United striker Brandon Goodship will not feature in tonight’s Carabao Cup first round tie at Stevenage.

Goodship missed Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Blackpool after picking up a hip problem in training on the eve of the game.

And Blues boss Kevin Bond does not expect to have Goodship or midfielder Timothee Dieng available this evening.

“Brandon isn’t available,” said Bond.

“And nor is Timothee Dieng.”

Dieng missed the start of pre-season with an ankle problem and has yet to feature this season.

However, winger Stephen McLaughlin, who was not called upon against Blackpool, is available again after returning to training while Bond will decide whether or not to hand Layton Ndukwu his first start since signing on loan from Leicester City.

“Layton has still got to find out what we’re all about to be fair to him,” said Bond.

“It’s a learning process but we’ll introduce him slowly and surely.”