PROMISING Southend United defender Sonny Coutts has spoken of his joy after finally ending a 10 month spell on the sidelines.

The Rayleigh based 18-year-old came on for Shrimpers under 21s at Barnet last week.

And in doing so he ended a nightmare period on the treatment table.

“It’s been very tough and it’s difficult to actually describe how you feel when you see yourself so far away from playing,” said Coutts, who has been with Blues since the age of seven.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs but mainly downs if I’m honest.

“You just have to keep going and believe that you can get back to a level that is playable so with all that in mind it was a great feeling to get back onto the pitch after such a long time out.”

Coutts, a former Sweyne Park School pupil, played the final half an hour of the 2-1 defeat at Barnet.

And he initially felt quite apprehensive before heading back onto the pitch.

“I was pretty nervous the day before the game,” said Coutts.

“But when you’re on the pitch you just forget everything else and I felt confident I could do my job.”

Coutts - who could figure for the under 21s against Peterborough United today - is now keen to continue his comeback.

And he remains determined to win a professional contract with his home-town club.

“First of all I want to get 90 minutes under my belt and force my way back into the 21s starting line up,” said Coutts on his hopes for the rest of the season.

“But from there the main goal is obviously a professional contract.

However, Coutts is still feeling some discomfort in his knee after tearing his meniscus against Bournemouth last October.

“I get slight pains in my knee after training and games but it’s manageable,” said the youngster.

“In terms of playing it feels 100 per cent though and I’m buzzing with that.”