ANTHONY Wordsworth and Stephen McLaughlin are both closing in on a return from ankle injuries for Southend United.

Wordsworth has been sidelined since late October while McLaughlin has missed the Shrimpers’ last three games.

But Blues boss Phil Brown has revealed the duo could both be back in contention for the Essex derby against Colchester United a week on Saturday.

“It’s good news where Woody and Steve Mac are concerned because they were both back out on the training pitches in training yesterday,” said Brown.

“Will the Shrewsbury game come too soon for them? Probably. But will the Colchester one? Maybe not.

“They could certainly be back by then but they will need to have played in an under 21 game first and we’re trying to rearrange a game with Leyton Orient for next week so they will be able to play it.”