SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has been handed a timely injury boost ahead of tomorrow’s game with Blackpool at Roots Hall.

Six of his squad, who had been doubtful for the game, have now returned to training.

And Brown is relieved to have them all available again.

“It was a real concern earlier on in the week so it was great to see Adam Thompson, Ben Coker, Adam Barrett, Ryan Leonard, Glen Rea and David Mooney all training again yesterday,” said Brown.

“They had all picked up knocks they were struggling with and we were slightly concerned of being short of numbers for Saturday.

“But we had 16 players out there training yesterday which was great to see and it’s all systems go for the weekend now.”

Blues also have goalkeeper Ted Smith back in the squad after he returned from international duty with England’s under 20 team but Michael Timlin is still rated doubtful with a foot problem.

Anthony Wordsworth, Stephen McLaughlin, Noel Hunt and Gary Deegan are all still missing with ankle problems.

However, Brown is still looking forward to the clash which will see him going head to head with Blackpool boss Neil McDonald who he worked alongside for several seasons at Bolton Wanderers.

“I worked with Macca for four or five years at Bolton,” recalled Brown.

“I was assistant manager, he was first team coach and we have a great relationship.

“But we will be going at each other this weekend for what I think will be our most difficult game of the season because it’s one we will be expected to win.”

Blackpool head into the match sitting 21st in the table on the back of five successive defeats.

However, Brown still believes they will be tough to see off.

“It wasn’t so long ago that Blackpool picked up 14 points in six games so they’re capable of good performances,” said Brown “But they are going through a bad time at the moment and I feel for them because they’re a former club of mine.

“I finished my time as a player with Blackpool and got my first chance as a coach there too.

“I have real fond memories of the place and hope they can sort themselves out, just not on Saturday.”

Blues will also be bidding to end a run of four league games without a win.

In the last three of those outings, the Shrimpers have been unable to hang onto a lead.

However, that does not concern Brown.

“I think it’s just a coincidence we’ve been in the lead in the last three league games and dropped six points,” said the 56-year-old.

“We’ve also come from behind in matches and at the moment it’s five points for and six points against but it will balance itself out over the course of the season.

“It’s just a coincidence it’s happened three games on the bounce.”