BEN Coker is ready to return for Southend United’s crunch clash at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.

The left-back has missed Blues’ last four matches with a knee problem.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown is certain Coker will be free to face the Shrews.

“It’s very positive where Ben is concerned and I’m very hopeful he will be free to play at the weekend,” said Brown.

“He did a training session on the pitch before the game on Monday and if anyone had seen it I think they would’ve been asking why he wasn’t playing.

“It was great to see and with Saturday being a big game it would give us all a huge boost to have our best left-back available.”

Seventh placed Blues remain a point behind the play-offs.