SOUTHEND United defender Jason Demetriou skippered Cyprus to a 2-1 win against Slovenia.

Cyprus found themselves 1-0 down when Slovenia opened the scoring in the 54th minute with a goal from Robert Beric.

But 10 minutes the home-side were back on level terms when Pieros Sotiriou fired home.

And Cyprus completed the comeback in the 89th minute when an own goal from Petar Stojanovic secured victory.

The international was Demetriou’s second in quick succession as he also started Cyprus’ 2-0 defeat at Norway.

Stefan Marius bagged both of Norway’s goals in their win but Demetriou - who has now won 45 caps for his country - will be back with the Shrimpers today.

The 30-year-old was forced to miss Blues’ games against Cambridge United, in the Checkatrade Trophy, and Saturday’s League One clash against Peterborough United due to the international call-up.

But he will back in contention for the Shrimpers’ trip to Shrewsbury Town this weekend.

His fellow Southend defender Harry Kyprianou will also be available after his own call up for the Cyprus under 21 squad.

Kyprianou started for the Cyprus youngsters against Turkey but could not stop his side suffering a 4-0 defeat.

Adil Demierbag put Turkey in front after just three minutes and the score stayed at 1-0 until the final 14 minutes.

However, substitute Orkan Cinar soon doubled Turkey’s lead and then made it 3-0 with a penalty in the 81st minute.

Turkey sealed their win with a Chris Hadjipaschalis own goal.