Southend will be without banned midfielder Ryan Leonard when they host high-flying Bolton in Sky Bet League One.

Leonard begins a three-game suspension following his straight red card in the 3-0 victory against Oldham on Saturday.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown, who has guided his play-off-chasing side to sixth, has injury doubts over Anton Ferdinand and Nile Ranger.

Defender Ferdinand sustained an unspecified problem during the weekend win, while in-form striker Ranger, who has scored five in six, twisted an ankle.

Gary Madine has travelled down to Southend with the Bolton squad.

A thigh strain kept Madine out of the draw with Chesterfield on Saturday and he will be assessed prior to kick-off at Roots Hall to determine if he can feature.

However, full-back Andrew Taylor (calf) has not made the trip and has remained in Bolton for fitness work with a view to possibly being involved against Scunthorpe on Saturday.

Boss Phil Parkinson has no new problems but remains without Ben Alnwick and Mark Davies (both knee).