SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock has made three changes to his starting line-up for this afternoon's game at Fleetwood Town.

Striker Gavin Tomlin has been passed fit after shaking off a back problem and he replaces Barry Corr in attack alongside Britt Assombalonga.

Marc Laird also returns in place of the suspended Michael Timlin after being cup tied for the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy triumph over Brentford, while Anthony Straker also comes in to the midfield in place of an unwell David Martin.

However, there is no place in the squad for Mark Phillips who has failed to recover from a knee injury.

Southend United: Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Prosser, Barker, Mkandawire, Hurst, Laird, Straker, Tomlin, Assombalonga

Subs: Coughlan, Eastwood, Corr, Donnelly, Bentley, Benyon & Woodyard