Southend United boss Steve Tilson will hand Luke Guttridge the chance to prove his worth at Cardiff City tomorrow.

The midfielder had seemed set to quit the Championship strugglers after spending the last month on loan at Leyton Orient.

But he has since made a surprising return to Roots Hall and, in the absence of the suspended Alan McCormack, the 24-year-old will start at Ninian Park.

"Macca will be a loss for us because he has given us an edge since coming in, but it gives Luke a chance," confirmed Tilson.

"It's an opportunity for him to show that he still wants to be at this football club and good luck to him.

"We all know what Luke is capable of and I have no problem with him being back with us.

"He's a good player and if we can get him back to his best then it will be one less signing we need to make during the transfer window."