SOUTHEND United midfielder Ryan Leonard is expected to return to training today after recovering from a groin injury.

Leonard, who was the Shrimpers’ player of the year last season, missed the 2-0 win against Northampton Town with the injury he sustained during the 2-1 victory at Tranmere Rovers.

But the 22-year-old is now back to full fitness and will be free to face table topping Wycombe Wanderers this weekend, much to the delight of Blues’ assistant manager Dave Penney.

“Lenny was really getting going again before the injury so hopefully he can get back to that form again and it’s great to have him back,” said Penney.

“He’s mainly been with the physio since suffering the injury but he should be back out there training again today which will give us a big boost.

“And hopefully he will suffer no reaction in the build up to the Wycombe game this weekend.”

Winger Kevan Hurst is also available again after missing the Northampton match with a migraine and Blues have a whole host of options across the centre of the park.

Michael Timlin, Will Atkinson, Conor Clifford, Gary Deegan and John-Joe O’Toole will all be battling with Leonard for a midfield role.

But Penney believes that strength in depth will prove pivotal for the Shrimpers.

“Midfield is an incredibly important area of the pitch and we’re blessed with options in there which has to be a good thing,” said Penney.

“When Gary Deegan came to the club I think he put everyone under pressure in there and now someone like Will Atkinson, who was a key player for us last season, is fighting to even make the team.

“It’s good to have and with a lot of games coming up throughout the Christmas period we will need to have as many players available as possible.”