Southend manager Steve Tilson will welcome back midfielder Alan McCormack for the New Year's Day visit of Bristol Rovers to Roots Hall.McCormack missed the last two games through suspension but is expected to take his place in the starting XI as the Shrimpers look to end a run of four league games without a win.

However, Steve Hammell is still a doubt after missing the 3-1 Boxing Day defeat at Doncaster with a hamstring injury and fellow defenders Garry Richards (illness) and Che Wilson (Achilles) will definitely miss out.

Leon Clarke played the last game of his loan spell against Doncaster but will be hoping a permanent transfer will be completed in time for the clash, while fellow striker Charlie MacDonald will be looking to build on his first goal for the club.

Kick-off is at 1pm.

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