Tilson: Pondering attacking options

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Southend will be looking to cling on to fifth spot as they entertain relegated Port Vale on the final day of the season.

Lee Barnard, Gary Hooper and Damian Scannell are all vying to start for The Shrimpers, who need to win to make sure they finish above Leeds.

Barnard was not risked by boss Steve Tilson against Tranmere last weekend due to a minor calf injury while Hooper returned to Roots Hall this week following the end of his loan spell at Hereford.

Hooper scored 11 goals in 19 appearances for the Bulls and Tilson has hinted the 20-year-old has every chance of being involved against Vale and in the play-offs.

Scannell, meanwhile, scored a hat-trick for the reserves in midweek and may be handed the chance to impress at first-team level.

Midfielder Hal Robson-Kanu could return to the squad after recovering from an Achilles injury which has kept him out for over a month.

Southend will be without defenders Lewis Hunt (hernia) and Che Wilson (Achilles), while Richie Foran also misses out with a knee problem.

Port Vale news

Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott must decide whether to hand a start to Kyle Perry as his relegated team travel to Southend.

Former Chasetown striker Perry made his return from a thigh injury in last week's 2-2 draw with Northampton as a substitute and will again be in contention.

Sinnott must decide whether to retain David Mulligan, Joe Cardle, George Pilkington and Adam Eckersley in his 16-man squad after deciding to release the out-of-contract quartet once the season is over.

Another player who has been told his future lies elsewhere, Robin Hulbert, misses out with a shoulder injury, while Shane Tudor (knee) and Colin Miles (medial ligament) are again sidelined.

Striker Luke Rodgers (ankle) is again a doubt but goalkeeper Joe Anyon has declared himself fit, meaning teenage goalkeeper Chris Martin could drop to the bench.