Walsall vs Southend United - James O'Connor could return for Walsall as Jon Whitney threatens changes

Walsall boss Jon Whitney has threatened changes for the visit of Southend following the Saddlers' 4-0 defeat at Rochdale on Tuesday.

The manager, who said he was embarrassed by the nature of the loss at Spotland, could recall James O'Connor for the first time in almost a month after the defender recovered from a groin injury.

Kieron Morris may also feature after the midfielder returned to training on Thursday following an ankle injury while Florent Cuvelier and Andreas Makris are pushing to start.

Maz Kouhyar is out for another few weeks following a knee operation.

Southend must do without defender Ben Coker, who is set for a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury which could need an operation.

Michael Timlin may again fill in at left-back having started the 1-1 draw with Swindon on Tuesday night.

Striker Marc-Antoine Fortune came off the bench for the closing stages, so could be in contention to start.

Forward David Mooney, though, remains sidelined by his ankle problem while on-loan Crystal Palace defender Ryan Inniss is recovering from surgery on a dislocated shoulder.