SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has refused to rule out Stephen McLaughlin making a comeback this weekend.

The 26-year-old winger has been out of action since late December with an ankle problem.

But Brown believes the Irishman is close to making a return and could even be in the squad for Saturday’s clash with Port Vale.

“Macca is making good progress and I’m certainly not ruling him out of Saturday’s game at this stage,” said the Blues boss.

“It’s a huge boost to have him back because I thought he was in the best form of his career before getting injured and has been a big miss.

“He’s a fit lad so it won’t be too much of a problem for him to come back in and when it does happen he will definitely give us an extra dimension down that side.”

McLaughlin scored six goals in 27 games before hobbling off against Charlton Athletic on New Year’s Eve.

But his return will hand Brown even more options across the centre of the park.

“It definitely gives me food for thought,” added Brown.

“When Macca is back he could go one side with Jermaine McGlashan or Zavon Hines on the other wing with Anthony Wordsworth, Ryan Leonard, Will Atkinson or Michael Timlin in the middle which would be a good attacking investment for us.”

However, Brown has decided not to include McLaughlin in the under 21 team for this afternoon’s encounter with Bournemouth.

“I just thought it would be better for Macca to stay training rather than have a game and run the risk of some young pup clattering into him,” said Brown.

“But he’s going to be working very hard with us to get him in the best shape possible.”

David Mooney, Zavon Hines and Frank Nouble have all been selected in the under 21 squad for the game against the Cherries.