Port Vale look set to stay unchanged, Southend United ?

Last updated : 26 August 2011 By westfield shrimper / DSG

Richards: Still hasn't played for Valiants

Marc Richards: Out again for the Burslem boys
 
Valiants manager Micky Adams could name an unchanged side for the fourth successive league game when Port Vale host Southend United.
 
Dangerous striker Marc Richards will not return to the squad since being injured on the opening day of the season. The striker suffered an ankle problem in the 2-2 home draw against Crawley Town and has been sidelined since.
 
Several players tried to catch the manager's attention in the reserves on Wednesday night.
 
Striker Louis Dodds and midfielders Lewis Haldane and Rob Taylor, all with first-team experience, played in the 3-1 defeat to Derby.
 
Ben Williamson, Mike Green and Ryan Burge also featured and will be desperate to get involved in Adams' plans, along with midfielder Sam Morsy.
 
Meanwhile, Blues boss Paul Sturrock is battling a lengthy injury list.
 
Goalkeeper Glenn Morris and midfielder Ryan Hall are both struggling with a virus and will be assessed, although no risks will be taken with either of them.
 
Sturrock has also revealed another five or six unnamed first-choice players who have featured in the club's previous two matches - defeats to Burton and Crawley - are battling knocks and will be monitored as late as possible.
 
Centre-back Mark Phillips has not featured of late due to his continued troubles with his groin and will again undergo a fitness test, while influential striker Barry Corr continues to miss out with his knee injury.
 
Midfielder JP Kalala is a huge doubt, again with a groin problem.
 
However, Blair Sturrock is expected to play some part at Vale Park for the first time this season having now got two games under his belt upon his return from an ankle injury.
 
The now 30-year-old son of Luggy told www.echo-news.co.uk: “I feel fit enough to be back in the squad again now. I’ve trained for a couple of weeks, my fitness feels good and I’ve had a couple of games too so I feel ready to come back. It’s not up to me when that happens but if it’s this weekend then great because it’s certainly been frustrating not being able to play so far.”
 
Could be a strange starting eleven Saturday afternoon.
 
The S24 Preview: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
 
Hear the voice of Luggy: http://news.bbc.co.uk