Southend v Oldham preview

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Southend will face the Latics in the cup tie without winger Jemal Johnson.

The Shrimpers are investigating Johnson’s conduct after the 26-year-old American was arrested outside a nightclub in Ilford last month.

Manager Paul Sturrock said the suspension could be brought to an end before the 14-day period but it will not be before they face the Latics this weekend.

Goalkeeper Glenn Morris could make a return to the starting line-up after coming through the Essex Senior Cup clash with Grays unscathed on Tuesday night.

Morris was an ever-present for the Shrimpers before picking up a thigh injury at the end of October and he has not featured since.

Striker Barry Corr and midfielder Harry Crawford (both knee) are still sidelined.

Midfielder Chris Taylor is an injury doubt for Oldham’s FA Cup trip to the Shrimpers.

Taylor limped out of last weekend’s goalless draw against Bournemouth in the 20th minute with a hamstring problem.

Although boss Paul Dickov confirmed the 24-year-old’s injury was not serious, he is refusing to take any chances with Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy northern section semi-final against Bradford on the horizon.

“We’ve got a big game on Tuesday night as well and the one thing we won’t do is risk him and make it long term,” said Dickov.

Elsewhere Latics have no new injury problems for the second-round clash at Roots Hall.

On-loan Huddersfield defender Nathan Clarke is now available after his parent club were knocked out in round one.