Southend United vs AFC Wimbledon - Zavon Hines hoping for Southend debut on Boxing Day

Posted Friday, December 23, 2016 by PA

Southend boss Phil Brown could throw new signing Zavon Hines straight into the side for the Sky Bet League One clash with AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day.

The former West Ham trainee has joined the Shrimpers, who are on a 10-match unbeaten streak in the league, on a deal until the end of the season after leaving Dagenham and Redbridge in the summer but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Simon Cox came off with a groin injury in the 2-0 win at Oldham last weekend and is a doubt for the visit of AFC Wimbledon while striker Nile Ranger was taken off as a precaution with a similar problem but is likely to retain his place.

Dave Mooney and Ben Coker (both ankle) remain on the sidelines alongside on-loan Crystal Palace defender Ryan Inniss with a shoulder injury.

AFC Wimbledon striker Andy Barcham is in contention to start after returning to action midweek.

Barcham, who had been struggling with a hamstring injury, made his first start since early November and scored during the Dons' London Senior Cup tie against Corinthian Casuals and is pushing for a starting place in Neal Ardley's side.

Defender Darius Charles could also return after recovering from a thigh problem which kept him sidelined for two months.

Chris Whelpdale remains absent due to a groin problem while Will Nightingale is unavailable following knee surgery.