SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell selected Elvis Bwomono at left-back against Portsmouth as he felt Stephen Hendrie was in need of a rest.

Bwomono, who is normally a right-back, reverted to the left hand side, with Taylor Moore – who has featured more at centre-back – lining up on the right hand side.

But Powell defended his decisions.

“There has been a lot of games and the players have been involved in a lot of them,” said Powell.

“Stephen Hendrie has been thrown in and he’s played a lot of games lately.

“I felt he needed a break and we a wafer thin squad I have to be careful with the players who are fit."

Bwomono switched to right-back at half-time after Hendrie was brought on to replace Michael Turner.