STEPHEN McLaughlin will return to action for Southend United’s under 21 team at AFC Wimbledon this afternoon.

McLaughlin has been out with an ankle ligament injury since the end of December.

And Blues boss Phil Brown cannot wait to see the winger back on the pitch.

“It’s great news that Macca is back and will be playing for the under 21s against Wimbledon,” said Brown.

“He was in great form before getting injured.”

Luke Amos, Ryan Inniss, Frank Nouble, Zavon Hines, Jack Bridge, John White and David Mooney are also expected to start for Blues.