SKY BET LEAGUE TWO

DANNY Rose is Oxford United’s only injury worry as they head to Southend United this afternoon.

The midfielder, pictured, came off with a hamstring strain during the 2-0 defeat at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

However, it was not as bad as initially thought and Rose could still be named in the squad for Roots Hall.

U’s boss Michael Appleton gave some fringe players a start for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie in midweek, but the likes of Johnny Mullins and Michael Collins, who were given the night off, are due to return today.

The head coach said: “Going into Tuesday’s game I almost had my side for Saturday in my head.

“I don’t think there’s been a massive change to that if I’m being honest, but certainly those who came in didn’t let anyone down.”

Jon Meades begins his three-game ban, but Alex Jakubiak has returned from international duty with Scotland under 19s.

Southend’s only injury is midfielder Michael Timlin (dislocated elbow), but centre back Cian Bolger is available again after suspension.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Southend Utd: from Bentley, White, Bolger, Prosser, Coker, Leonard, Clifford, Payne, Hurst, Corr, Worrall, Weston, Coulthirst, Ibenfeldt, Thompson, Deegan, Barnard, Smith.

Oxford Utd: from G Long, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Newey, Collins, Ruffels, Jakubiak, Hylton, Brown, Hoskins, Morris, O’Dowda, Potter, Rose, Raynes, Hunt, Crocombe.

Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.

Latest Sport news