Fitness concerns for Sturrock

Grant: Ruled out with concussion

Paul Sturrock still has concerns over several key players ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Northampton.
Southend have played nine games in 36 days, and although the hectic League Two schedule has seen Blues jump to 9th place, it is taking its toll on the players.
Barry Corr is still doubtful with a tight hamstring, Kane Ferdinand is rated 50/50 with an ankle complaint, Mark Phillips is definitely out, and Anthony Grant is not yet ready to return from the concussion he sustained last Saturday against Torquay.
As a result, youngsters Kyle Asante and Lyle Dalla-Verde are likely to make the bench.
Tomorrow’s opponents Northampton have problems of their own. Ben Tozer, Leon McKenzie and Josh Walker are all likely to miss the Roots Hall fixture. Sean Harrad, signed from Burton in January, is suspended, but Abdul Osman, who scored against Southend in September, returns.
The Cobblers are likely to have ex-Shrimpers winger Francis Laurent in the first team squad, although the Frenchman is likely to have to make do with a place on the bench.

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