Injury problems have forced Southend United boss David Webb to shuffle his pack ahead of tonight's (Tuesday's) Roots Hall meeting with Cheltenham Town in the newly-named LDV Vans Trophy.

First choice central defenders, Leo Roget and skipper Phil Whelan, will sit out the first round game nursing back complaints. And midfielder David Lee will be allowed to rest a knee problem.

"We're lacking fit bodies at the moment and looking ahead to Sunday's FA Cup clash with Canvey Island, I'm going to have to make some changes," said Webb.

"Phil was a big doubt for our game at Hartlepool at the weekend and Leo hurt himself during the match so I'm going to rest them both this evening.

"As for David he has been struggling with his knee for the last few games and also needs to sit this one out. I need all three players fit for Sunday!"

Webb should hand the central defensive duties to David Morley and veteran stopper Rob Newman, who is expected to make his first start of the season eight days short of his 37th birthday.

Other changes could include a senior debut for young midfielder Craig Edwards and a first start for Webb's 17-year-old son Daniel in a striking role.

"Daniel is still here on a work experience placement from Southampton which will last another four months," added Webb.

"I'm trying to get clearance to play him tonight as I've struck a deal with Southampton to sign him permanently for a small fee if I want to.

"But first I need to see him in first team action and this game gives me the ideal opportunity to have a good look at him."

Webb has fond memories of this competition from his previous spell at Roots Hall when he led Blues to a 10-1 victory over Aldershot and a 7-0 slaughter of Torquay during the 1990/91 season.

"I know the early rounds of this trophy seem a bit of a chore, but I'd still like us to make progress," said Webb.

"If you get through to the later rounds it can get the whole town buzzing because everybody starts looking forward to a big day out at the final.

"Although, I must admit that we could do without this game as we want to keep the pitch in the best possible condition before the big one against Canvey on Sunday."

Cheltenham will also chop and change ahead of this evening's game, which kicks-off at 7.45pm, to give some of there fringe players an opportunity to impress.

Kevin Maher should return to the Southend midfield from a one match suspension.

Southend (from): Flahavan, McSweeney, Searle, Morley, Newman, Edwards, Maher, Forbes, Abbey, Webb, Carruthers, Williamson, Cross, Kerrigan, Fitzpatrick, Johnson, Porter.

Cheltenham (from): Higgs, Griffin, Banks, Jones, McCann, Duff, Bloomer, Devaney, Milton, White, Hopkins, Grayson, Alsop, Freeman, Howells, McAuley, Yates, Book.

Southend's Roots Hall reserve team clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, due to kick-off at 2pm tomorrow (Wednesday) has been cancelled. The Avon Combination League match will be rescheduled.

Rob Newman - in line for first start this season

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