SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell has opted to slightly delay Ted Smith’s comeback from a long-term shoulder injury.

Smith – who has been out of action since September 2017 – had been due to line up in an under 23 fixture before the end of the month.

But Powell confirmed Blues eventually opted to give Smith an extra week in training.

“We felt Ted needed another full week’s training before coming back,” said Powell.

“That was a decision made by him, the medical team and Lee Harrison.

“He trained again with us today and he’s fine but we don’t want to rush him.

“Everyone wants the players yesterday now but you can’t rush and there are times when sometimes missing one game will let you play the next 20 and times when playing one game can make you miss the next 20.

“It’s a tough decision but we’re doing our best to get back a keeper who is in my mind a League One goalkeeper.”