STEVE Mildenhall is set to return for Southend United at Huddersfield Town tomorrow.

The Shrimpers shot-stopper has missed his side’s last two matches with back and pelvic problems.

But manager Steve Tilson expects Mildenhall to be fit to face the promotion chasing Terriers.

“Steve trained yesterday and providing he suffers no reaction then he will be fit to play,” confirmed the Blues boss.

“We will have to wait and see but he should be OK.”

Mildenhall will replace Ian Joyce between the sticks while Osei Sankofa is expected to make his first start since October in the Shrimpers back four.

The fit again defender should replace Sean Morrison who has now returned to Swindon Town after completing a two month long loan spell and, according to Tilson, he could be in for a busy afternoon at the Galpharm Stadium.

“Huddersfield have a good budget, players and side so it will be a real test for us,” said the Seasiders chief.

“They haven’t lost at home this season, winning nine and drawing three so that says an awful lot about them.

“But we won our last game at Orient so we’re full of confidence too and hopefully we can get a good result against them but we know it’s going to be very difficult.”

Huddersfield are currently fifth in the League One standings eight places higher than Southend who will again have Simon Francis in their side after the defender opted against joining Peterborough United.

Posh had an £150,000 offer accepted for the versatile 24-year-old but he could not agree personal terms with the Championship club.

And Tilson is delighted to still have him available.

“It’s a big boost for us,” said Tilson.

“I think he’s been one of our most consistent players this season and he has a long list of attributes.

“I would have been disappointed to lose him and I’m glad he’s decided to stay.”

Tilson has also extended Jean Yves M’Voto’s loan spell from Sunderland until the end of the season.

But he is not sure when the French centre-back, who has been out with a hip problem since September, will be fully match fit.

“We’re not sure when Jean will be back,” confirmed Tilson.

“In an ideal world we would bring in another centre-back but that hasn’t happened for us yet.”

Full preview in Friday's Echo