Mark Oxley likely to be ready for Southend season opener at home to Doncaster

Southend should have goalkeeper Mark Oxley available for their Sky Bet League One opener against Doncaster on Saturday.

The 27-year-old sat out the Shrimpers final pre-season friendly against Leyton Orient as a pre-caution but manager Chris Powell confirmed the stopper was only suffering from muscle tightness.

There are plenty of summer recruits who will be looking to make their Southend debuts at Roots Hall.

The likes of Timothee Dieng, Sam Mantom and Luke Hyam are among those hoping to make their respective bows.

Grant McCann will take charge of Doncaster for the first time in a competitive match having replaced Darren Ferguson at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Rovers, too, have some new signings who could take their place in the starting line-up this weekend.

Defender Tom Anderson and winger Ali Crawford, as well as forward duo Max Watters and Mallik Wilks, are the players who could make their debuts.

Just seven points separated Southend and Doncaster last season and both will be keen to hit the ground running at the start of this campaign.