It will be a return to Roots Hall for summer signing Harry Cardwell who has impressed since joining Rovers. The 28-year-old has featured in 16 league matches scoring three, and assisting once so far this season.

Ahead of Saturday's match, experienced Rovers boss Steve Cotterill says it'll be another 'tough game' for his side as they look to build on recent results that has seen them climb to the top of the National League table.

"Southend are a big club for this division," said Cotterill. "It's going to be similar to the Oldham game where there was a big crowd but we're fully respectful of any team we play.

"We don't just look at last week's result, we look further back. You have to deduce what you can from their victories and their defeats as we do every week."

Rovers welcome back Ryan Inniss from suspension that will add to the ranks having been a little stretched for numbers of late.

"It's a bonus because we've been a little light over the last month so that'll be good to have another body in the mix, Manny (Emmanuel Osadebe) will be closer this week.

"Liam Sercombe had a little more of a setback so that has prolonged his rehab. Jacob Maddox isn't ready yet, he was looking at more 10-12 weeks after his injury.

"Other than that, everybody has trained and we've had a good week."

The number of late wins this season has pointed to both an excellent level of fitness, but also a togetherness in the group welded together by an important pre-season.

Recruitment was detailed, but calculated in getting players with a versatility in their game - something that has been been a key factor so far this season.

"I don't think you need such a big squad where you need to keep lots of people happy so that versatility is good and why I signed some of our players.

"Also, some of the existing boys such as Teddy Jenks, who I couldn't get to see much because he was out on loan, his versatility has been important.

"Manny has also done very well for us too - he's played midfield, right back, right midfield, left back, left wing. That versatility has really, really helped us.

"A lot of the players are involved every week, and that adds to team spirit. The flexibility in the squad allows them to a more tight-knit group, that adds to team spirit."

Impressive on-loan goalkeeper Jed Ward added, "You can see where Southend were in League One just a few seasons ago - you can never underestimate any team when going away from home.

"A bigger occasion you can sometimes feel the pressure or excited but whether we're playing in front of 20 or 20,000, we're always motivated within us to do well."

We take on Southend United this weekend at Roots Hall with tickets available to purchase using this link - KO 3.00PM.