Swansea "There To Be Shot At"

Kenny Jackett revealed that the next month will give Swansea fans a much better idea of his side's realistic promotion chances. The South Wales club must face tricky games against Grimsby, Leyton Orient, Darlington and Bristol Rovers - all potential promotion candidates. However, Saturday's visit to Southend United must also be viewed as a potential banana skin, especially when considering the Swans' recent record at Roots Hall.

Swansea have won once in their last five visits to Roots Hall, when James Thomas and Kevin Nugent scored in a 2-0 victory during the relegation-threatened season of 02/03. Last season saw Paul Connor making his debut for the Swans after a £35k transfer from Rochdale, but after taking a first half lead through Kevin Nugent, goalkeeper Brian Murphy was sent off for handling outside the area - final score 1-1. Southend also won twice at the Vetch last season - 2-1 in the LDV Vans First Round and then famously winning 3-2 with eight men on the field at the final whistle.

Kenny Jackett admits that his side are now there to be "shot at", following their jump to the top of the table last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Mansfield. Southend currently lie mid-table, and after being thumped 4-0 by Darlington two weekend's ago, last Friday saw the Shrimpers overcome Boston by two goals to one...with striker Tes Bramble forced into goal late on.

Southend's goalkeeping situation has dominated the run-up to this league fixture, after they announced that they were struggling to find a fit senior keeper following the loss of Bart Griemink and Daryl Flahavan through injury and suspension. Comedian Terry Alderton astonishingly signed for the club on Wednesday, in a move that appeared farcical but has turned out to be nothing more than a publicity stunt. Steve Tilson yesterday secured the services of Ryan Clarke from Bristol Rovers on a month's loan...and he will be the man challenged with the task of keeping Lee Trundle out of the headlines.

The Shrimpers will definitely be without Tes Bramble (brother of Titus), who picked up an injury following his goalkeeping heroics last week against Boston. Drewe Broughton has disappeared on loan to Rushden, while Lawrie Dudfield and Jay Smith are still short of fitness.

Jackett welcomes back Garry Monk after his "horror-injury" at Chester two weeks ago, which left the centre-back unconscious. Andy Gurney is also in the squad after a back specialist could find no problem with the ex-Swindon Town captain's complaints. Kris O'Leary will definitely start despite being forced to undergo an MRI scan on his foot, while Izzy Iriekpen remains out until next week at the earliest (thigh injury).