Cole Skuse takes on a central defensive role as City face Southend United in the Carling Cup first round tonight (7.45pm).

The City skipper joins Liam Fontaine at the back, filling in for the suspended Damion Stewart - who was dismissed on his debut against Millwall on Saturday.

The rest of the defence remains unchanged, although Dean Gerken will play behind them, with David James being rested.

In midfield Gavin Williams and Lee Johnson earn recalls alongside Jamal Campbell-Ryce. Marvin Elliott is also given a rest.

The front three in a 4-3-3 formation remains unchanged; Ivan Sproule, David Clarkson and Albert Adomah.

City: Gerken; Hunt, Skuse, Fontaine, McAllister; Williams, Johnson, Campbell-Ryce; Sproule, Clarkson, Adomah. Subs: James, Elliott, Akinde, Edwards, Jackson, T.Williams, Styvar.

Southend United: Morris; Simpson, Coughlan, Grant, Easton, Paterson, Zaaboub, Prosser, Soares, Sturrock, Barker. Subs: Corr, Hall, Phillips, Herd, Evans, Spencer, James-Lewis.

Referee: Mr D Phillips.

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