SOUTHEND United defender Michael Turner ended an 18 month wait for league football on Saturday - only to suffer further frustration.

Turner had made four cup appearances since lining up for Sheffield Wednesday in their Championship clash with Wolves in May 2016.

And the 34-year-old took little satisfaction from his return to action as the Shrimpers slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth, “I’m pleased to have played because it’s been a frustrating time but overall I’m really disappointed because we’ve lost the game,” said Turner, who suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season.

“In the first half we did alright and I thought we had a foothold in the game.

“I thought we were in control without really creating that many chances but it’s obviously disappointing to miss the penalty just before half-time.

“In the second half we didn’t get the ball down as well as we could’ve done and we didn’t create too many clear cut chances so it’s been a disappointing day.”

Turner - who had been out of action since July with a hamstring problem - looked solid alongside Anton Ferdinand at the heart of the Shrimpers rearguard.

And the experienced defender felt Blues’ problems were at the other end of the pitch.

“In the final third we lacked that little bit of quality and we were sloppy on the ball at times,” said Turner.

“We gave it away too cheaply and it’s frustrating to come away with a defeat.

“The first goal was always going to be crucial because it was a scrappy game and there weren’t many chances at either end.

“Unfortunately they got it and not us but we have to come back from this now.”

The defeat at Fratton Park saw the Shrimpers slip to 14th in the League One standings.

Blues will now be bidding to bounce back at MK Dons tomorrow night and Turner insists he will be fit enough to feature for the second time in just four days.

“I’ve trained for three weeks now and physically I’ll be fine for Tuesday,” stressed Turner.

“I had 70 minutes in the Checkatrade Trophy and then played in a behind closed doors game we had too.

“It’s just the match fitness I need now but I didn’t feel too bad out there and now I just need to prepare my mind for the game.

“A big week for us, with three games in eight days, has started badly but there’s no reason why we can’t get maximum points from the next two, starting with a good result at MK Dons.”