Louis Dodds could earn a recall for Port Vale against Southend after he returned to training following his recovery from a heel injury.

Manager Rob Page is also looking to include forward JJ Hooper and midfielder Sam Kelly who both played an hour for the reserves in a 5-1 defeat at Bradford on Tuesday.

Richard Duffy will have to take care if he plays against the Shrimpers as he is currently on nine yellow cards and a booking away from a two-match suspension.

Crystal Palace loanee Ryan Inniss is set to return to training after making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury but this game could come too soon for his return to first team action.

Southend are expected to be unchanged from the team which surprised Sky Bet League 1 leaders Burton in last week's 3-1 victory.

Manager Phil Brown has no fresh injury concerns as his side continue their pursuit of a play-off place.

Owing to a knee problem, Ryan Leonard remains unavailable.

Brown can also no longer select Stephen Hendrie, after he this week returned to parent club West Ham.