Southend v Leicester. Match preview

Last updated : 18 April 2009 By Foxes First
The former Chelsea youngster missed Monday's 3-2 win at Northampton with a knee injury but is back in training and will be available.

James Walker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since January but he is also training and nearing a return, although he is unlikely to feature at Roots Hall.

Fellow striker Alex Revell is still recovering from a broken leg.

Boss Steve Tilson is relishing the prospect of playing against a Leicester side that can earn promotion to the Championship and said: "It will be a fantastic test for us, you couldn't ask for a tougher game. It will be a sell-out playing against the best team in the league."

Leicester expect to have a clean bill of health as they go in search of the victory that would see them crowned League One champions.

On-loan keeper David Stockdale is the only slight concern but the Fulham stopper should shake off a virus.

On the off-chance that he does not make it, another loanee Tony Warner would assume the number one spot after this week extending his stay from Hull until the end of the season.

Boss Nigel Pearson could opt to make some changes following the Easter schedule, with defenders Bruno Berner and Patrick Kisnorbo and midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic possibly coming into the frame.

With 43 goals between them this season, Matty Fryatt and Steve Howard - whose injury-time header to defeat Leeds on Bank Holiday Monday put the Foxes on the brink of an immediate return to the Championship - will spearhead the attack once more, so Paul Dickov will continue on the bench.

Sporting Life