SOUTHEND United manager Steve Tilson has explained his decision to bring goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan back into the side for Saturday's defeat at Leeds United.

Many supporters had expected Tilson to stick with Steve Collis at Elland Road after the the number two came into the side and saved a last-minute penalty during the 4-1 Carling Cup win over Cheltenham Town after Flahavan was injured in the warm-up.

But the Blues boss eventually opted for Flahavan after much deliberation.

"It was a hard decision for me because Steve came in and played well against Cheltenham," said Tilson.

"He saved the penalty in the last minute of normal time and that capped off a good night for him."

"Darryl has been consistently good for a number of years now though and that's why I went for him in the end."

Flahavan could not stop his side suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat at Elland Road.

And Tilson insists the custodian must keep on producing the goods in order to stay in the starting line-up.

"Steve has shown what he can and there is competition for that place," he said.

"Darryl knows he has to carry on playing well and that can only be a good thing."

Collis, meanwhile, is expected to be between the sticks for today's reserve team clash against MK Dons at Roots Hall.

The match, which will be manager Dean Austin's first in charge, should also see full-back Simon Francis return from an ankle injury.

The former Sheffield United defender picked up the problem during a pre-season friendly at Canvey Island four weeks ago.

But the 22-year-old is now ready to make a comeback.

"Simon has been training since the start of last week and has suffered no reaction," said Tilson.

"He will be involved at some stage today and it will be good to have him back."

That leaves left back Steve Hammell as Blues' only long term absentee and Tilson admitted the Scotsman, who is sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered just before the start of the season in a friendly at Crawley Town is still a "way off" being fit.

The Blues boss is also seeking to bolster his squad ahead of the closure of the transfer next Friday.

"If the right one comes along then we shall make a move," he added.