Trialist Steve Towers will be involved with the Blues when they face Southend at Roots Hall this evening (KO 7.30pm). The defender plays for Oadby Town in the Midland Alliance League and is the second trialist included by Joe Royle, keeper Javier Sanchez Broto also hoping to prove himself.

Towers was involved for the reserves in the away game at Coventry City at the end of last season and was due to be in the reserves squad travelling to Framlingham Town on Wednesday night.

Royle has named his sides for the game - one for each half - and is also including a number of youngsters.

Interestingly, Royle will be using Thomas Gaardsøe in midfield, an option has alluded to on a couple of occasions recently and possibly one that Town fans may get used to. The Dane started his career as a midfielder but really started to make his mark with former club AaB Aalborg as when he moved to central defence.

New signing Drissa Diallo will be making his first start in a Town shirt.

Matt Richards, Jermaine Wright and John McGreal are all missing this evening due to injury. Richards has a hamstring problem, Wright a groin injury while McGreal is still recovering from last season's knee ligament knock.

Town first half: Broto, Wilnis, Collins, Diallo, Makin, Magilton, Gaardsøe, Westlake, Armstrong, M Bent, Reuser.

Second half: Price, Towers, Nash, Naylor, Hogg, Abidallah, Miller, Murray, D Bent, Couñago, Bowditch. Sub: Morrow.

Photo: Action Images

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