Youth holds the key to Southend United's latest reserve team outing against Luton Town at Roots Hall this evening, kick-off 7pm.

Shrimpers boss Alan Little has opted to rest most of his senior second-string players for the Hatters' Avon Insurance Combination League visit, giving Blues' babes a chance to shine.

"This is a natural progression and gives these boys the chance to take their game up to another level," said Little.

"Luton should also have a fairly young side on show, so this is the perfect opportunity to bed in our own youngsters as well."

The Southend chief was forced into one change, with midfielder Adrian Clarke taking a rest, following the removal of a lump from his side.

Southend (from): Prudhoe, Cross, Johnson, Perkins, McDonald, McSweeney, Kerrigan, Edwards, Hunter, Fitzpatrick, Roach, Campbell, Pitts, Ayres, Gooding and Lunan.

Former youth team goalkeeper Steve Spittle has become the latest Blues player to have his contract cancelled by mutual consent this season and has returned home to Wolverhampton.

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