Torquay v Southend preview

Team news for Saturday's League Two clash between Torquay United and Southend at Plainmoor.

Torquay will be without the suspended Ian Morris for this match.

Morris was sent off after 79 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Oxford on Easter Monday for a second bookable offence and serves a one-match ban for the visit of the Shrimpers.

Ryan Jarvis is likely to come back into the team in Morris' absence, but the Gulls are sweating over the fitness of Rene Howe, who has not trained this week but is still expected to start.

Striker Howe has been carrying a knee injury of late but he has been working through the pain barrier. Taiwo Atieno, who netted a late equaliser against the U's last time out, is a ready replacement for Howe if he fails to make it.

Otherwise, Torquay manager Martin Ling has a fully-fit squad at his disposal as his side look to consolidate second place in the League Two table.

Meanwhile, Southend welcome back Sean Clohessy and Lee Hills for their long trip west to Devon but manager Paul Sturrock's injury problems remain.

Clohessy missed Easter Monday's 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon due to a one-match suspension while fellow full-back Hills was struggling with illness.

Skipper Chris Barker only made the bench against the Dons having been forced off on Good Friday due to a knock, although he was called upon to replace fellow defender Luke Prosser after he left the action late on due to injury.

Both will be assessed to determine their availability at Plainmoor, as will striker Freddy Eastwood as he continues to play through a knee complaint.

Elliot Benyon serves the second game of a three-match suspension and is unavailable, while fellow striker Jack Sampson has returned to Bolton after the Shrimpers opted not to extend his loan stay.

Forward Harry Crawford strengthened his claims for involvement by bagging four goals for United's reserves in midweek.