MARK Phillips has given Southend United a huge boost by declaring himself fit for the Boxing Day clash at Aldershot.

The 29-year-old centre-back was struggling with a hamstring problem towards the end of Friday night’s 1-0 defeat to Bradford City.

But the former Millwall man is expected to be back in training today.

“My hamstring has got a lot better and I should be able to join in with the rest of the lads this morning,” said Phillips.

“I’m definitely expecting to be fit for the Boxing Day game at Aldershot and the problem I had was more to do with nerves than anything muscular.

“I think it was just down to the hamstring being overworked after our busy schedule.

“We played three times in the space of about seven days and we had 10 men for one of those matches, so it’s been quite tiring.

“That’s what led to my injury but I’m confident of being fit for Boxing Day and that’s obviously pleasing because I never want to miss a match.”

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO