SOUTHEND United defender Harry Lennon has spoken of his joy after ending a two month spell on the sidelines.

Lennon - who fractured a big toe against Doncaster Rovers on the opening day of the season - returned as a late substitute at Gillingham on Saturday.

And the centre-back was pleased to step up his comeback by playing close to an hour for the Shrimpers’ under-23 side at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.

“It’s been great to be back involved again because I had really missed being out on the pitch playing,” said Lennon, 23.

“We had a few injuries so I had to be on the bench at Gillingham really but it was good for the manager to put me on towards the end.

“I was happy with that and I also enjoyed the Wimbledon game.

“They put out a really strong side so it was pretty much like playing in a League One game.

“I felt pretty good and I’m really happy to be back, especially as the team are doing well again.”

The Shrimpers - who sit ninth in the table - have gone five games unbeaten in League One, picking up 13 points from a possible 15.

And Lennon understands he may well have to wait to reclaim a slot in the starting line-up.

“The centre-halves are all playing really well so I’m certainly not expecting to go straight back into the team,” said Lennon, who joined Blues from Charlton Athletic in the summer.

“I know I may well have to wait for a chance but competition always brings the best out of people so I think it’s a good thing to have.”

Lennon will now be pushing to be part of Blues’ squad against Coventry City at Roots Hall this weekend.

And he remains frustrated at being forced onto the sidelines in the first place.

“It was annoying to get injured after coming in during the summer and getting in the team for the first game but it’s something I’ve just had to get my head round,” said Lennon.

“It was a painful one and, at times, I was struggling to even walk.

“I ended up being out for a couple of weeks longer than expected but I’m looking forward not back now and we still have plenty of games to go this season.

“The toe is a bit stiff but it feels fine and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season now.”

l The draw for the first round of the FA Cup, which will include the Shrimpers, will be made on Monday evening at 7pm.