Southend boss Steve Tilson has a shortage of attacking options ahead of the trip to Victoria Park to take on Hartlepool on Tuesday night.The Shrimpers have been left short up front following the collapse of James Walker's transfer from Charlton after a medical discovered irregularities with his heart rhythm.

Midfielder Tommy Black proved his ability to fill in as a striker by finding the net in Southend's 4-1 win at Bournemouth at the weekend but Tilson remains in the hunt for a striker before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Matt Harrold has served a one-match ban but remains out due to a broken nose while fellow frontman Charlie MacDonald remains out with an ankle injury leaving Gary Hooper as the Shrimpers only fit frontman.

Tilson's men will be looking to add to the seven points they have collected in their last three games as they attempt to close in on the play-off places.

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