SOUTHEND United defender Michael Turner will end three months of injury frustration when he returns to action in a behind closed doors clash with Gillingham today.

The experienced centre-back has been out since July with a hamstring problem.

And Shrimpers boss Phil Brown cannot wait to see the 33-year-old back in action against the Gills.

“It’s good to see any player coming back from a long-term injury and that’s certainly the case with Michael,” said the Blues chief.

“It will be good to see him back in action but we’ve had to be very careful with him because he hasn’t played much football in the last couple of years.

“We’ve had to wait until he was definitely ready and that’s now.

“He will play 45 minutes to an hour against Gillingham and will then also play some part at Yeovil before playing the 90 minutes against Colchester in the Checkatrade Trophy next Tuesday.

“That’s the plan we’re looking at right now and it will be good to have him back because he’s a really genuine lad.”

Elvis Bwomono, Michael Klass and Jack Bridge will also be among those in action against Gillingham, while goalkeeper Ted Smith - who has been out since mid-September with a shoulder problem - could also feature.