Colchester United vs Southend United: Kevin Keen has goalkeeping dilemma ahead of first game in charge of Colchester

New Colchester manager Kevin Keen has a decision to make over his goalkeeper for the Boxing Day clash with Southend after Jamie Jones returned to parent club Preston.

With Sam Walker still on the sidelines because of a knee injury, Keen, who succeeded Tony Humes on Monday, revealed Elliot Parish, Dillon Barnes and James Bransgrove are all in contention to feature against the Shrimpers.

Marvin Sordell will miss out after being stretchered off just seven minutes after coming off the bench in the 3-1 defeat to Rochdale last weekend - although his knee injury is not as serious as first thought and the striker has an outside chance of playing in Monday's game at Gillingham.

A late decision will be made on Owen Garvan, who has been ill recently after working his back to fitness following a hip problem that has sidelined him since the end of October.

Phil Brown's side will consist of players carrying knocks as the busy Christmas schedule has taken its toll.

Ben Coker and Noel Hunt both picked up problems in the 4-1 victory against Bury and are doubts for the game against their local rivals.

Michael Timlin (foot) and Gary Deegan (ankle) are pushing for starts after making the bench for Friday's victory against the Shakers.

Southend are aiming to stretch their unbeaten league run to eight games and move into the play-off places.