SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has been boosted by the return of Ben Coker.

The left-back, who has been out of action since mid-November with an ankle injury, has now resumed full training.

And Brown is thrilled to see the 27-year-old back in action.

“I know it’s a cliche but Ben coming back to the party is really going to count as a new signing for us in January,” said Brown.

“He’s been out for a little while now but all the signs are suggesting he’s going to be available for Saturday’s game with Rochdale which is excellent news.

“In my opinion Ben is the best left-back in this league so him coming back would boost any team at this level.

“Michael Timlin has done a great job for us in Ben’s absence and has given me food for thought.

“I know now that Tims can definitely play left-back but he’s now also free to be able to return to midfield, where we all know what he can do.”

Coker has missed the Shrimpers’ last nine matches but now looks set to return in Saturday’s crunch clash with Rochdale.

Blues go into the game sitting seventh in League One, three places below in-form Rochdale.

But Brown will soon be further boosted by the return of more players with both centre-back Ryan Inniss and striker David Mooney closing in on a return.

“Ryan Inniss and David Mooney are on a similar timescale at the moment with their injuries,” confirmed Brown.

“They have been out for a little while now but should be able to return at the beginning of February, which isn’t too far away now.

“We need as many players as possible available during the business end of the season so it will be good to have them back with us again.”

Mooney - who has scored twice in 12 starts this season - has been out since October with an ankle problem sustained in an under 21 match against Bournemouth at Roots Hall.

He was joined on the sidelines by the on loan Crystal Palace defender Inniss in early November when he dislocated his shoulder in the first round of the FA Cup at Millwall.

Inniss returned to the Eagles for treatment but should soon be heading back to Blues.

Striker Jason Williams is also on the treatment table after suffering a hamstring injury on his Boreham Wood debut at Torquay United.

The 21-year-old is on loan at the National League club until April but is facing a fortnight out of action.

“Jason picked up the injury half an hour into his debut,” confirmed Brown.

“He’s going to be out of action for around two weeks.”