Southend United - Cheltenham Town preview - Hurst in Shrimpers frame

Kevan Hurst may come into Southend boss Phil Brown's thinking against Cheltenham.

The midfielder passed a fitness test on a knock to play against Shrewsbury on Saturday despite struggling with a knock, yet Brown insisted he had not trained enough to be considered.

David Worrall may struggle to slot straight back in if he overcomes his illness in time as his replacement Jack Payne scored in Shropshire.

Southend's only long-term absentee is Mads Ibenfeldt, who is missing due to a foot problem.

Eliot Richards is set to make his first Cheltenham start when they make the trip.

The former Bristol Rovers man joined the Robins last week having been released by Tranmere and he caught the eye as a substitute in Saturday's home defeat to Burton and could get the nod instead of Mathieu Manset.

Boss Paul Buckle used all six of his new signings against the Brewers and is likely to utilise them again as he looks to blend in so many new faces.

Jake Gray could be handed a start in his final appearance before returning to parent club Crystal Palace as the Robins look for a much-needed three points.