SOUTHEND United captain Kevin Maher will today return to training.

The Shrimpers midfielder has been out since aggravating a foot injury on the opening day of the season against Leyton Orient.

But, having had a cortisone injection on the troublesome area, Maher is now ready to step up his comeback.

"My foot is feeling a bit better now so hopefully everything is OK again and the injection has done the trick," said Maher.

"I haven't kicked on a ball on yet so I'm not sure how it will feel until I train today.

"Touch wood it will be OK though and I can be in contention for Saturday's match with Millwall."

Maher missed the Carling Cup clash at home to Cheltenham Town and last weekend's 4-1 defeat at Leeds United.

That reverse left the Shrimpers down towards the bottom of the League One table without a point to their name.

But Maher is still confident his side can turn things around.

"There are 44 league games to go so it is still very early days," said the long-serving midfielder.

"Against Orient we were on top for a while and it was the same at Leeds. We haven't got out of the games what our performances deserve but we will in the end I'm sure.

"Hopefully the win we want will come against Millwall and that has all the makings of a good game.

"They're a strong side who you would expect to be up there at the end of the season and they will also bring quite a few fans.

"That will generate a good atmosphere and I just hope it's our fans who are making the most noise come the end of the match."