Late test for Timlin Michael Timlin faces a fitness test ahead of Southend's home clash against Aldershot. The influential midfielder was eventually forced off with a troublesome ankle injury just minutes after half-time in Saturday's disappointing last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Morecambe. Manager Paul Sturrock was left counting the cost of his withdrawal and Timlin is now receiving treatment, along with one or two unnamed others, ahead of the visit of Aldershot. Aside from Timlin's availability, Sturrock is considering changes to his starting XI after Saturday's defeat and the likes of centre-back Mark Phillips, midfielder John Spicer and striker Freddy Eastwood all come into contention. Strikers Barry Corr (groin) and Neil Harris (knee) as well as defender Luke Prosser (gluteus maximus) continue to miss out. Meanwhile, Sturrock has confirmed a loan deal for an experienced central midfielder has been agreed but not yet completed. Sturrock, who has remained coy over the name of the player, is keen to ensure he has fully recovered from an injury which stopped the deal from going through last week. Under-fire Aldershot boss Dean Holdsworth will be without Josh Payne as he again looks for a response from his misfiring side. Holdsworth revealed some harsh words had been said to his players after the Shots slumped to a club-record seventh successive defeat with Saturday's 3-0 home reverse to Rotherham. The former striker questioned his side's ability as well as their character and will now be hoping to see a positive reaction at Roots Hall. At least one change needs to be made after midfielder Payne picked up his fifth booking of the season in the defeat, meaning he now serves an automatic one-match suspension against the Shrimpers. Attacking midfielder Jack Munns is still waiting to make his debut having been an unused substitute at the weekend following his loan arrival from Tottenham. Aldershot will come up against former left-back Anthony Straker just 24 hours after a tribunal ordered Southend to pay #17,500, a fee which could rise to #22,500, for his services following his summer switch between the two clubs.
Source: PA
