SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has been buoyed by seeing Ryan Leonard back in action for the Shrimpers.

The Blues midfielder - who is wanted by Championship club Sheffield United - missed Saturday’s 2-1 win at Braintree Town due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

But Leonard lined up for Southend in Tuesday night’s 4-0 win at Bishop’s Stortford, much to the delight of Brown.

“Lenny is a great kid and of course it was good to see him out there again,” said Brown.

“I have loads of time for him and so do the players in that changing room.

“That’s probably one of the reasons teams from a higher level are also interested in him along with his ability on the pitch of course.

“But the chairman is still adamant we are keeping him and so am I because of what we saw again on Tuesday night.”

Leonard - who has been at the club since being released by Plymouth Argyle in 2011 - played an hour in Blues’ latest pre-season friendly.

And Brown expects the midfielder to continue to give his all to the team despite his ongoing ambition to play at a higher level.

“Lenny won’t down tools or throw his toys out of the pram because he’s not that type of player or person,” said Brown.

“I’m looking forward to a successful season with Lenny playing a big part because if he does then we will be in with a chance.”

Leonard was joined in the starting line-up at Bishop’s Stortford by all three of the Shrimpers’ summer signings - Stephen Hendrie, Michael Kightly and Michael Turner.

But Brown is still keen to add to his squad.

“We’ve still got two or three deals on the go at the moment,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“Hopefully they will fall before the season starts.”

The Shrimpers chief is believed to be in talks with an experienced midfielder and a defender who lined up in the Scottish Premiership last season.