ADAM Thompson admitted he was buzzing to be back in action for Southend United’s under 21 team against Luton Town this afternoon.

Thompson, who had been out since early April with a dislocated shoulder, played the full 90 minutes in the Shrimpers 1-0 defeat at Boots & Laces.

And the centre-back was delighted to have returned to action after a frustrating six month spell on the sidelines.

“I’m just buzzing to be back,” said Thompson.

“I’ve got to thank Ben Clarkson, Luke Hart and Mark Williams for getting me fit and strong enough to be back out there.

“I felt fit and strong during the game so I’m hoping to put myself in the gaffer’s thinking in an already strong squad.”

Thompson was joined at the heart of the back four by former Walsall and Cardiff City defender Anthony Gerrard who is currently on trial with the Shrimpers.

Left-winger Stephen McLaughlin also played the full 90 minutes after recovering from an illness but Blues were unable to avoid defeat as Alex Anderson bagged the only goal of the game midway through the first half.

Southend United: Bexon, Williams (Matsuzaka 80), Thompson, Gerrard, Adeyeye, Norman, Johnson (Gard 50), Bridge, Cotton, McLaughlin, Wabo (Walker 50) Sub not used: Kyprianou