Coker banned for Shrimpers
Southend left-back Ben Coker is suspended for Friday night's home clash against Bristol Rovers as two out-of-form sides go in search of a vital victory.
Coker was given his marching orders having received a second yellow card in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Bury and now serves a one-match ban.
Boss Phil Brown has options to fill in on the left side of defence in the shape of Anthony Straker, Luke Prosser, John White and Adam Thompson.
Midfielder Marc Laird and defender Julian Bennett both remain long-term absentees for a Shrimpers side who have gone five matches without victory, while visitors Rovers are currently four without a win.
Bristol Rovers have received an double injury boost with the news that Seanan Clucas and Ryan Brunt will travel.
Brunt has been sidelined for two weeks with an ankle injury and manager John Ward would like to partner the former Stoke man with Matt Harrold.
Clucas made a goalscoring appearance in the midweek game with Cirencester as he ups his comeback after seven months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Matt Gill and Ollie Norburn all played their parts in the victory and they provide extra options for Ward as he looks to build on the late point against Hartlepool.
Source: PA
