SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Bond is planning to use 22 players at Reading tomorrow.

The Shrimpers begin their pre-season schedule against the Royals in a behind closed doors clash.

And Bond plans to field a different team in each half. “It will be good for the games to start and everyone will get 45 minutes against Reading,” said Bond.

“It’s been a good week in training and everyone has been working hard in the warm conditions but it’s time for the games to start now, which is always good.”

Bond also confirmed it was ‘likely’ Bournemouth defender Corey Jordan, ex-Newcastle United winger Connor Roberts and former Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Lyden - who are all training with the Shrimpers - will feature this weekend.

However, former Crawley Town left-back Andre Blackman could miss out after suffering a thigh problem during pre-season training.

Youngsters Tom Clifford, Rob Howard and Harry Phillips are likely to feature along with summer signings striker Brandon Goodship and Australian skipper Mark Milligan.