Aaron Brown could make his Walsall debut against fellow play-off chasers Southend after joining on transfer deadline day from Reading.Brown left non-League Tamworth for the Madejski Stadium in November 2005 but has yet to make an impact on the first team.

Defender Richard Taundry is available after suspension for the trip but midfielder Ishmel Demontagnac is a doubt. Taundry has completed a three-match ban following his red card in the 2-1 home defeat to Brighton earlier this month.

Demontagnac suffered a knee injury playing for the reserves in midweek and this game could come too soon for the youngster.

Emerging central defender Manny Smith produced another solid display as the Saddlers' second-string chalked up a convincing 3-0 victory over Stoke to further stake his claims for a starting place.

Mark Bradley returned unscathed from international duty with the Wales Under-21 squad, while fellow midfielder Alassane N'Dour is back to full fitness following a recent thigh problem.

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