RYAN Inniss is back in training with Southend United.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who is on loan with the Shrimpers from Crystal Palace, has been out since early November after dislocating his shoulder in the FA Cup defeat to Millwall.

But Blues boss Phil Brown hopes Inniss will be back fit in time for Blues' rematch with the Lions which takes place in mid February.

"It's good to see Ryan back out on the training pitch and he's identified the Millwall match as the one to be fit for which is where the injury obviously happened in the first place," said Brown.

"He's not likely to get the all clear to step things up until the end of the month and then he'll be able to push on from there.

"But it's certainly given everyone a boost to see him out there again.

"I know it's a cliche managers use but we've been without him for a couple of months now so when he does return it's going to be like a new signing for us."

Inniss is on loan with Blues until the end of the season and made six appearances at the heart of the defence before suffering the injury.

But the towering defender could find it hard to force his way back into the starting line-up with Adam Thompson and Anton Ferdinand forming a successful partnership during his absence.

"It's been going well defensively but you always want as many players available as possible, especially during the business end of the season," said Brown.

"Ryan will really be pushing for a place in the starting line-up when he's back fit and that can only be a good thing for everyone."