Duo return to boost injury-hit Shrimpers

Southend welcome back Sean Clohessy and Lee Hills for their trip to fellow promotion rivals Torquay 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.