Southend v Gillingham preview

Team news ahead of Tuesday night's League Two clash between Southend United and Gillingham at Roots Hall.

Southend boss Paul Sturrock has promised to make changes following Saturday's dismal 2-0 defeat at Swindon. Sturrock was livid with his side's abject performance at the County Ground, having kept faith with the same XI who drew 2-2 against Northampton. "Some players will have played their last game for a very long time for Southend after that performance," warned the Scot after the loss to his former employers. Midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala returned to the bench after a groin injury before being introduced just before the hour mark and is certain to be in contention for a start. Jemal Johnson dropped from the matchday 16 due to illness and will be assessed, as will Neil Harris (groin) and Lee Sawyer (thigh), who have missed the club's last two games. On-loan midfielder Michael Timlin is available to been ineligible to face parent club Swindon, but Liam Dickinson serves the final game of his three-match suspension and long-term absentee Barry Corr (knee) is out. Gills captain Andy Frampton is rated as 50/50 for the trip but Danny Kedwell is okay having shaken off an ankle knock. Defender Frampton missed Saturday's 1-1 draw against Accrington due to a thigh injury and is facing a race against time to be fit for the trip to Roots Hall. Kedwell, however, will be involved having overcome a blow to his ankle which forced the striker off in the closing stages at the weekend. Curtis Weston passed a late fitness test on his thigh at the weekend but, despite not having featured, has been ruled out against the Shrimpers due to a recurrence of the problem. He joins fellow midfielder Jack Payne on the sidelines as he continues his month-long recovery from knee ligament damage. Striker Adam Birchall continues to be a long-term absentee with his knee injury, while second-choice goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga is still missing due to mumps.