TEAMtalk

Hereford v Southend preview

Friday 16-March-2012 14:08

Hereford are hoping to extend Lyle Taylor's loan in time for the visit of promotion-chasing Southend.

The Bournemouth forward made a big impact against Morecambe last weekend in what was the final game of his month-long stay, bagging his second goal in three games to claim a 1-0 triumph and hand Richard O'Kelly his first win as Bulls boss.

Hereford have been keen to strike an extension this week but unless a deal can be pushed through then Taylor will be unavailable to face the Shrimpers.

Centre-back Stefan Stam made his first appearance for seven weeks as a late substitute against the Shrimps and he should again be involved having got valuable match practice in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Walsall in midweek.

Simon Clist was ruled out of the trip to the Globe Arena due to a knock and he will be assessed but Benoit Dalibard (hamstring) and Joe Heath (groin) remain absent.

Meanwhile, Southend welcome back skipper Chris Barker for the trip to Hereford but lose the services of suspended midfielder Anthony Grant.

Barker missed last weekend's 2-2 draw against Accrington due to a one-match ban, a game in which Grant picked up his 10th booking of the season to ensure he now sits out the next two games.

Midfielder Ryan Hall got vital minutes under his belt for the club's reserves in midweek having struggled with illness of late and is set to start at Edgar Street.

Jack Sampson was forced off with a groin injury against Stanley and faces a late fitness test, while it is hoped Elliot Benyon - who replaced the on-loan striker - is available after his wife went into labour on Thursday.

Left-back Lee Hills missed the game altogether due to injury and will also be monitored ahead of the encounter.

Liam Dickinson (ankle) and Jean-Paul Kalala (knee) have been ruled out for the rest of the season while Bilel Mohsni remains unavailable for selection.