SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown was delighted to see promising young midfielder Harry Norman back in action for the Shrimpers at Great Wakering Rovers tonight.

The 18-year-old missed the whole of last season with a bone infection which Brown feared could have ended the youngster’s career.

And the Blues boss was therefore thrilled to watch Norman play the final half an hour of his side’s 1-0 win at Burroughs Park.

“Harry has been out for nearly 12 months and for him to play nearly 30 minutes at the end of the game was great for everybody because he’s such a nice lad,” said Brown.

“He’s a great character and we were worried at one point he might not be coming back at all.

“He had a bone problem after it got infected from a challenge on him and he was on a drip at one point so the recovery has been very long winded.

“But he’s back now and I’ve witnessed what he can do.”

Norman has been with the Shrimpers for close to five years and Brown hinted he could now be pushing to be more involved with the first team during the rest of pre-season.

“Harry’s a link man and he can play that sitting position where Ryan Leonard plays.

“Gary Deegan hasn’t signed just yet so we don’t have any cover for Lenny so we need competition for places. Lenny could also have to move to right-back if John White can’t play for whatever reason so Harry could well come into my thinking.”