SOUTHEND United midfielder Ryan Leonard feels his enforced injury break enabled him to develop a greater understanding of the game.

Leonard made his first start since recovering from a knee injury against Fleetwood Town last weekend.

But, despite being frustrated by a seven week spell on the sidelines, the 23-year-old believes it could actually have been of benefit.

“When you’re in the thick of the action you don’t see as much as you do when you’re watching,” said Leonard.

“You obviously don’t ever want to be injured and it’s horrible not being out there with the lads but you do see things you can learn from.

“You often have more time than you think and you can take a lot else from watching so that’s the only real positive to take from being injured.

“But of course I would much rather be playing and I’m really happy to already be back.”

Leonard was originally expected to be out of action for 10 to 12 weeks with the knee injury he sustained against Colchester United at the start of February.

But, after two substitute appearances, he started the 2-2 draw against Fleetwood and was pleased to come through the game unscathed.

“It was good to get through it but the last 10 minutes were certainly a bit tough,” said Leonard.

“It will take a bit of time to get fully fit but I’ll certainly be stronger for that 90 minutes and I’m sure it will have done me good.”

However, is Leonard is now keen to build on that against Walsall this weekend as get Blues back to winning ways.

“Walsall are a good passing side but we will need to try and get in their face to not let them play like that,” said the midfielder.

“It will be tough but we’ll battle for everything and we’re determined to win too.”

“People make it seem like we have nothing to play for but we still want to finish as high up the table as possible. “