TOM Clifford will step up his return from an ankle injury when Southend United’s under 23 side take on Fulham in the Premier League Cup tonight.

Clifford has yet to feature so far this term after picking up a problem in the pre-season clash at Ebbsfleet United in August.

But the Shrimpers left-back was on the bench for Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Maidenhead and is now set to play in this evening’s cup clash.

Tonight’s match at Fulham kicks off at 7pm.

Southend United (from): Andeng Ndi, Crowhurst, Reeve, Shala, Clifford, Stewart, Garzon, Brown, Lambourne, Unwin, Anyadike, Grossart, Quamina, Droney, Arrowsmith & Williams.