Walsall vs Southend United - James O'Connor in Walsall frame for Southend clash

James O'Connor could return for Walsall for the first time in a month.

The defender returned to training on Thursday following a calf complaint and is in the running to face Southend on Saturday.

Striker Tom Bradshaw will be monitored after he was forced to miss Tuesday's 2-1 win at Gillingham, which took the Saddlers up to third in Sky Bet League One, with a groin problem.

Isaiah Osbourne remains out with a knee problem which has sidelined him for the season.

Southend midfielder Myles Weston is a doubt for the match.

Weston is struggling with a calf injury while Anthony Wordsworth (hamstring) and David Mooney (ankle) are also out.

Noel Hunt and Michael Timlin are both expected to resume training next week after recovering from knee injuries but the pair are not yet ready for competitive action.

Phil Brown's side are 11th in League One, nine points adrift of the play-offs.