SOUTHEND United left-back Ben Coker insists he will be ready to return against Rochdale at Roots Hall this weekend.

Coker has been out since mid-November after suffering an ankle injury in a 3-0 win against Bradford City.

But the 27-year-old is now back in full training and believes he will be available for selection on Saturday.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be back and the way everything is feeling at the moment I’ll definitely be available for the Rochdale game which I’m really happy about,” said Coker.

“I did a fair bit of running last week and I’ve now stepped things up by joining in training with the rest of the lads which feels great.

“Injuries are never nice and it’s been frustrating not being able to play.

“But I’m back now and would love to be able to help the boys bounce back from the defeat against Sheffield United in what is going to be another very big game.”

Blues are currently seventh in the League One table, two places below play-off rivals Rochdale.

In-form Dale have triumphed in their last six games.

But Coker would be perfectly happy to make an immediate return to action despite a lack of matches.

“When I was injured last season I came straight back in and played back to back games so I’ve shown I can do it,” said Coker.

“It’s tough on the body but I’ll work hard in training this week and make sure I’m in the best shape possible in case I’m called upon.

“Michael Timlin has done really well at left-back since I got injured so it might be tough to get back in.

“But I’m just happy to be back training and to be in contention.”

Coker has missed the Shrimpers’ last nine matches but will not be lining up against Leyton Orient for the under 21s this afternoon.

“I spoke it over with the physio and the manager and we just felt the under 21 game wouldn’t really be that beneficial for me,” said Coker.

“We all felt it would be better to have a tough training session.

“That’s the plan moving forward for us this week.”