Stevenage Borough vs Southend United preview - Kennedy remains in Stevenage frame

Ben Kennedy is set to keep his place in midfield when injury-hit Stevenage host Southend.

The 18-year-old scholar scored his first senior goals in the 3-1 win at Hartlepool last Saturday and was this week rewarded with a first professional contract.

Defender Jon Ashton remains a doubt with the ankle injury which forced him to miss the Pools match while boss Graham Westley is without a host of other first-teamers.

Darius Charles will miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken leg against Bury last week while Jerome Okimo, David McAllister, Adam Marriott, Harry Worley and Connor Calcutt are also on the casualty list.

Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley could reclaim his place between the sticks.

The stopper missed last Saturday's 2-1 home loss to Accrington because of a groin problem, yet he was slated to train on Friday with a view to being involved in the trip.

Should Bentley not make it, England Under-19 international Ted Smith would likely start again after impressing on his debut in the defeat to Stanley.

Striker Lee Barnard will definitely miss out against his old employers after suffering a neck injury in training earlier this week.