SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is hoping Anton Ferdinand’s two-match ban may have boosted the defender.

Ferdinand is available again after missing Blues’ last two games following his red card at Doncaster Rovers.

And Brown believes the break could prove beneficial for the 32-year-old Shrimpers captain.

“Anton has worked hard in the past week or so,” said Brown.

“He’s been doing extra work that he wouldn’t have been doing if he was playing so maybe the red card could be a blessing in disguise where that’s concerned. But Anton is a big player for us with his voice and his experience.”

Ferdinand missed the 3-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic and the 1-1 draw against Peterborough United during his suspension.

In his absence, John White partnered Ryan Leonard at the heart of the Shrimpers’ back four.

And Brown has yet to decide who will start against the Shakers.

“We will get tested by Bury’s strikers and I have to decide whether I bring Anton back in or whether I stick with the two who played there on Tuesday,” said Brown.

“Lenny gave us pace and mobility back there but then we missed that in midfield.”

Michael Turner - who has yet to appear this season after suffering a hamstring injury in July - is also in Brown’s thoughts after he returned to full fitness.

But the centre-back is unlikely to start.

“If Michael trains again today then there’s a good chance of him being on the bench,” Brown added.