SOUTHEND United centre-back Adam Thompson hopes to have handed Phil Brown a selection headache for Saturday’s clash at Sheffield United.

The fit-again Thompson returned to the starting line-up for Wednesday night’s 1-0 win against Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

And the 23-year-old now wants to stay in the side for the game at Bramall Lane.

“The manager will do what he thinks is right but I just hope I’ve done enough to make it a hard decision for him,” said Thompson, who made his first start since April after recovering a dislocated shoulder.

“It was a physical game on Wednesday and we had a lot of defending to do so it was a good test for my fitness but I felt fine.

“Hopefully I can build on that on Saturday and I’ll certainly be ready for if called upon.”

Thompson lined up alongside Adam Barrett against Bristol Rovers.

And he was thrilled to be back in action after enduring a frustration seven month spell without a fixture.

“It was unbelievable,” said Thompson.

“The buzz was brilliant and while it wasn’t really the best of the games but we got the result we needed.

“It was good to get the clean sheet and hopefully I’ve shown the gaffer I’m fit enough to be called upon regularly now.”