BEN Reeves hopes his loan switch from Southampton will be renewed in time for him to figure in Southend United’s clash against Torquay at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The 21-year-old midfielder has not featured for a fortnight after his initial month long loan stint from the Saints expired.

But Blues are now bidding to bring him back in to take on the Gulls.

“The renewal of my loan was delayed so when I signed again I could stay until the end of the season and hopefully everything will be completed so that I can play tomorrow against Torquay, “said Reeves, who scored twice in eight games during his first loan spell with the club.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating not being able to play and help the lads out but I’ve still been training here and the coaches have been working me hard so my fitness will not be a problem.

“Torquay are fighting for their lives and that makes tomorrow’s match a difficult one but it’s one we really need to win if we are to continue fighting for a place in the play-offs.”

Southend suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to struggling AFC Wimbledon at Roots Hall on Tuesday night and now sit 10th in the League Two table, six points away from the top seven.

However, Reeves has not given up hope of extending Blues’ season and still feels a place in the play-offs is possible.

“We have a game in hand on some of the teams above us and if we win that then we’re only three points away from them,” said Reeves.

“After that, if we win one game and they lose then we’re back in the play-off positions so I don’t think it’s all over yet.

“But we do need a good result at the weekend to improve the chances of that happening.”

Torquay arrive at Roots Hall, sitting 22nd in the table and have triumphed just once in their last 17 games.

Reeves is refusing to take notice of that poor run of results and is only focused on improving Blues’ poor home form after going five games without a win at Roots Hall.

“Results haven’t gone well at home lately and I’m not sure why that is,” said Reeves.

“We want to sort it out though and we want it to start against Torquay tomorrow.”

Blues are also bidding to complete a loan deal for Millwall’s Tamika Mkandawire and hope he will also be able to figure this weekend.