SOUTHEND United boss Steve Tilson could opt to rest several of his star players for tomorrow's clash with Port Vale.

The fifth placed Shrimpers have already made sure of their place in the play-offs and cannot finish any higher.

And because of that Tilson is considering making changes to his team to face the lowly Valiants "It's a strange game really because in all honesty there isn't much to play for," said the 41-year-old.

"It's really all about the play-offs and that's our priority without any shadow of a doubt."

"We have to make sure the players are fresh and fit for those games, whoever we play, and that may mean I make a few changes tomorrow.

"I haven't made my mind up just yet but it is something I'm certainly thinking about.

"It may be time to give one or two other people a game."

Tilson refused to reveal who he was considering leaving out.

But he did hint at again opting to go into the game without striker Lee Barnard who sat out last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers with a slight calf problem "Lee should be training today but he may be one I decide to rest," confirmed Tilson.

"We have to be careful with him and the last thing we want is for him to be missing when the play-offs begin."

Among those pushing for a start are young midfielder Franck Moussa, fit again attacker Hal Robson-Kanu and forward Gary Hooper.

He last played for the Shrimpers against Barnsley in the FA Cup back in January but may figure tomorrow after enjoying a successful loan month loan spell at League Two Hereford United.

"Gary did so well at Hereford and his confidence will be sky high," said Tilson.

"It's worked well and it's good to have another forward at the club."

Blues will be without defenders Lewis Hunt (hernia) and Che Wilson (Achilles) tomorrow, but Peter Clarke should line up against his former side.

The centre back 13 appearances when on loan at Vale during the 2002/03 season and remains a popular figure with their fans.

Southend (from): Flahavan, Francis, Clarke, Barrett, Mulgrew, Black, Moussa, Bailey, Gower, Revell, Walker, Hooper, Robson-Kanu, Barnard, McCormack, Collis, Scannell MacDonald, Herd and Barnard.

>REANNE Nash, the winner of the junior Blues Idol competition, will also be singing before tomorrow's match which is the club's latest family fun day.