Defender Greg Halford will return for Southend as they face Cambridge in Sky Bet League Two on Tuesday evening.

The 36-year-old was shown a red card against Barrow and subsequently handed a one-match ban, causing him to miss the goalless draw with Grimsby at the weekend.

Bournemouth loanee Kyle Taylor returned from an absence caused by Covid-19 to take a spot on the bench against the Mariners and could be in the mix once more, with Tom Clifford in a similar situation having overcome an injury.

Brandon Goodship (rib) and Terrell Egbri (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.

Cambridge could hand a league debut to new signing Jubril Okedina at Roots Hall.

United boss Mark Bonner left the on-loan Tottenham defender on the bench at the weekend.

The 20-year-old is yet to see any league action but played 90 minutes against Oxford in the Papa John’s Trophy last week.

Hiram Boateng remains out with a shoulder injury and will play no part.