Saturday's opponents Southend United could hand debuts to no fewer than 14 players at Roots Hall when they take on County, as they have been given permission by the Football League to complete the signing of the 17 players they had agreed terms with. On a smaller scale new Hatters manager Paul Simpson could hand 6 players their debuts in the match.

The Shrimpers have finally had their transfer embargo lifted by the Football League and so they are able to complete the formalities on their recent transfer deals. Of the 17 players signed, two players are awaiting international clearance from their respective FA's although it is possible that Bilel Mohsni and Sofiene Zaaboub may receive the necessary go ahead before Saturday's game so that they can take part. Of course all recent summer signings won't be able to make their first team debuts in the match against Stockport, as manager Paul Sturrock will only be able to start with 11 men and utilise a further 3 players from his subs bench.

County manager Paul Simpson has made 6 additions to his squad this summer although it's probable that just five of those players will start at Roots Hall this weekend. The Hatters have added right back Mark Lynch, left back Robbie Williams, central defenders Mansour Assoumani and Jordan Rose as well as strikers Barry Conlon and George Donnelly to their ranks, although Rose may be one player who misses out. Danny Swailes and Mansour Assoumani will probably get the nod to start in central defence with the former Weymouth man taking one of the substitute places in the matchday squad.

The Hatters have no injury or suspension problems ahead of Saturday's clash although that isn't the case for Southend, as they have one player suspended and one player injured. Winger Ryan Hall was red carded in his last match for former club Bromley and serves a one match ban as a result and left back Peter Gilbert is sidelined for the opening few weeks of the season with an ankle injury he picked up in the 1-1 friendly draw with Derby County. Both players were signed by Paul Sturrock in the summer although they will have to wait to make their debuts.

Sturrock could however hand debuts to Glenn Morris (goalkeeper), Rhys Evans (goalkeeper) Graham Coughlan (defender), Bilel Mohsni (defender), Luke Prosser (defender), Mark Phillips (defender), Chris Barker (defender), Josh Simpson (midfielder), Craig Easton (midfielder), Sofiene Zaaboub (midfielder), Adam Bouzid (midfielder), Louis Soares (midfielder), Barry Corr (striker) and Blair Sturrock (striker).

Photo: Action Images via Reuters