Orient return to action tonight when they travel to League Two side Southend United for their first round Carling Cup tie.

Russell Slade’s side will be seeking an improved performance at Roots Hall from their opening day defeat at Walsall, looking to book their place in round two.

The O’s still have injury concerns however, with goalkeeper Jamie Jones remaining sidelined with a shoulder injury, while David Mooney is still struggling with a hamstring problem.

Midfielder Leon McSweeney is also out after picking up a knee injury on Saturday which should see him unavailable for three to four weeks.

Stephen Dawson and Marc Laird will also definitely miss out but there could be a return for defender Terrell Forbes.

The former Yeovil man did not feature at all in pre-season following an operation on his digestive system but he could feature in the squad tonight.

Slade’s growing injury list could see him hand a first start to on loan midfielder Michael Richardson.

Richardson joined the club last Friday and impressed during a brief appearance on Saturday but could feature from the off tonight.

Alex Revell is in line for a start against his former club, while fellow striker Jamie Cureton will hope to gain more minutes after missing much of the pre-season campaign.

Southend will be in buoyant mood though having taken maximum points from their opening fixture with Hereford.

The Shrimpers claimed a 1-0 win on Saturday, with Bilel Mohsni scoring the goal from a Ryan Hall cross.

Boss Paul Sturrock has injury concerns over former Chelsea midfielder Anthony Grant (hamstring) and captain Chris Barker (groin).

Both Slade and Ben Chorley commented on Walsall’s game plan at the weekend and the O’s defender is expecting a similar challenge tonight.

“They have got some good players. Again we know we are going to either face them sitting off or them up against us so we will have to combat that but believe me we will be improved.”