SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has yet to decide if the fit-again Ben Coker will go straight back into the starting line-up against Bradford City tomorrow.

Coker has not featured so far this season after suffering a broken leg against Colchester United in July.

But the left-back has now regained full fitness and Brown is toying with the idea of handing the defender an immediate recall at Roots Hall.

“Whether or not I put Ben straight back in is the big question,” said Brown.

“That’s what we did last season and he has looked good in training too.

“Ben is chomping at the bit and he’s been a breath of fresh air.

“He will also bring light to the gloom of the changing room following the result at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

“Of course it would be a risk but Ben has done it before.

“He’s a rare creature, and he’s the type of person you want to have around.

“He’s also the type of player who can start you off playing good football and getting on a run so there’s a lot to be thinking about.”

Coker was given the green light by his surgeon earlier this week.

And he confirmed his return to full fitness by flying into a challenge with Ryan Leonard on the training ground.

“Ben went into a crunching tackle with Ryan Leonard and it was Lenny who came out of it worse off,” said Brown.

“Ben just got on with it so fingers crossed that is him over the final hurdle now.”

And Coker is not the only defender back in contention for Blues.

Harry Kyprianou has also recovered from the thigh injury which had sidelined him for the past two months.

“I have the same issue with Harry as I do with Ben, the only difference is he’s been out for two months, not five,” said Brown.

“But what they’re doing on the training ground is giving me a positive trail of thought rather than a negative one so it’s given me food for thought.”

But Brown has yet to discover if winger Stephen McLaughlin will be available.

The Irishman suffered a bruised pelvis during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers and is rated 50/50 to face Bradford City this weekend.