Southend host relegated Port Vale with attacking duo Lee Barnard and Gary Hooper and winger Damian Scannell all vying to start on Saturday.Barnard was not risked by boss Steve Tilson against Tranmere last weekend due to a minor calf injury while Hooper returned to the Shrimpers this week following the end of his loan spell at Hereford.

Hooper scored 11 goals in 19 appearances for the Bulls and Tilson has hinted the 20-year-old has every chance of being involved against Vale and in the play-offs.

Scannell, meanwhile, scored a hat-trick for the reserves in midweek and may be handed the chance to impress at first-team level.

Midfielder Hal Robson-Kanu could return to the squad after recovering from an Achilles injury which has kept him out for over a month.

The Blues will be without defenders Lewis Hunt (hernia) and Che Wilson (Achilles), Richie Foran also misses out with a knee problem.

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