Southend United's Scott Malone is an injury doubt ahead of Tranmere Rovers' visit to Roots Hall in League One on Saturday.

The defender sustained a knock to his toe in training on Thursday and he is now a big doubt for Saturday's clash with Johnny Herd on standby to deputise.

However, boss Steve Tilson is able to welcome several players back into the fold.

Alan McCormack was suspended for Monday's clash with Colchester, but he has now served his ban and should come back into contention, while on-loan duo Pat Baldwin and Scott Vernon should also come back into the squad after being ineligible to play against their parent club.

Anthony Grant is still sidelined with an ankle injury that will keep him out for two months, while reserve goalkeeper Ian Joyce has returned to his native America for a week-long trial with an unnamed club.