SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock looks set to make changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash against Brentford at Roots Hall.

But the Scotsman insists that does not mean he is not taking the competition seriously.

Blues face the Bees in a southern section quarter final clash.

And Sturrock is keen to get a step closer to Wembley.

“We will be making some changes but we are taking the game very seriously and very much want to go and win it,” said the Southend boss.

“We have a couple of players back in contention who couldn’t play at the weekend but we also have one or two with niggling knocks who I don’t think will be playing.

“We have to be sensible about these things and with a lot of games coming up in a short space of time so it makes sense for one or two to rest up so that they will definitely be OK for the Fleetwood game on Saturday.”

Blues welcome on loan duo Tamika Mkandawire and Britt Assombalonga back in to the squad after they were denied permission to play by their parents clubs in the FA Cup at Bury on Saturday.

However, midfielders Marc Laird and Scott Donnelly are both cup tied for tonight’s clash, which Sturrock believes will be very tough for his team.

"It's going to be a very difficult game because they are a top team who play some very good football, but having the home advantage will help us,” said the Scotsman.

"We showed on Saturday against Bury that we can compete with League One sides so we want to do that again tonight but Brentford are on really good run and if we will need to play very well indeed to beat them.”

Southend United (from): Smith, Clohessy, Phillips, Cresswell, Barker, Mkandawire, Hurst, Timlin, Martin, Tomlin, Assombalonga, Eastwood, Corr, Benyon, Straker, Prosser, Bentley, Spicer, Woodyard & Leonard