LUKE Prosser and Cian Bolger have eased Southend United’s defensive crisis by returning to full training.

Prosser missed Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Luton Town with a calf injury while Bolger was forced off before half-time with concussion.

That left Adam Thompson as Blues’ only available centre-back and led to boss Phil Brown looking at loan signings.

But the Shrimpers chief may now not need to bring in defensive reinforcements.

“It’s good news to see both Luke and Cian back out training again,” said Brown.

“Obviously it was a real concern when we were down to just the one centre-back and I did have a look to see who was available on loan in that position.

“I have to be honest and say I did like the look of the two Ipswich youngsters who we played against in a development the other day and there were some other alternatives too.

“Having Luke and Cian available is a big positive but we will need to see how they cope in training in the next couple of days.

“Today and tomorrow there will be a big step up in the level of work they’re doing so they are going to be tested a little bit more.

“We will see how it goes and it’s probably too early to say we’re out the woods with those two just yet.”

Brown used the development team friendly at Ipswich Town to take a look at right-back John White in a more central defensive position.

Ryan Leonard, who is now more used to playing at midfield, filled in at right-back and impressed the manager.

Brown added that had given him another option at the back.

But he is likely to be without centre-back Mads Idenfeldt for up to three months after the Danish defender had a screw fitted in to his fractured foot.

“We’re looking at Mads being out for anything between eight to 12 weeks, “confirmed Brown.

“We’ve gone down the safety first route of him having a screw put in to his foot.

“It means when he comes back he is less likely to break down again with the same injury which we think is the best way to go.”