Southend United vs Barnsley - Trio set to return for Southend ahead of Barnsley clash

Southend are set for a triple injury boost ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet League One clash at home to Barnsley.

Kevan Hurst, Adam Thompson and Stephen McLaughlin have all been missing but the trio were given run-outs with the under-21s this week and are available.

The match is likely to come too soon, however, for defender Adam Barrett, who has a hamstring injury, and also striker Noel Hunt, who is struggling with a foot problem.

Gary Deegan is out through suspension meaning Anthony Wordsworth could start.

Barnsley could be without skipper Conor Hourihane, but fellow midfielder Josh Scowen is back in contention following suspension.

Hourihane was due to have a scan on Thursday to determine the full extent of a hamstring injury sustained in the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Bradford. Scowen missed out on Tuesday night after reaching five yellow cards.

Head coach Lee Johnson is boosted by the return of Conor Wilkinson (Republic of Ireland Under-21s), Simeon Jackson (Canada) and Dan Crowley (England Under-19s) from international duty.

Johnson, who made three changes at Bradford, must decide whether to stick with goalkeeper Adam Davies or recall Nick Townsend, while winger Ryan Williams (groin) is still out.