SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Ted Smith has spoken of his joy after finally returning from a long term shoulder injury.

Smith - who originally suffered the injury in September 2017 - played the full 90 minutes in Blues’ under 23 team’s 3-3 draw at Luton Town.

And the 22-year-old was thrilled to be back in action.

“It was very nice to be out there playing again because it had been a long time coming,” said Smith.

“It had been tough being out for so long.

“We tried to get by without having an operation but eventually we realised it had to be done.

“It feels good now and other than having to wear a rather fetching shoulder support which looks like a bra I don’t really think about the injury now because it’s feeling good.”

Smith did attempt a comeback against Notts County last November before quickly being forced back onto the sidelines.

And the shot-stopper was quick to thank those who had helped him during his rehabilitation.

“I haven’t played for 11 months but I’ve had some great people around me which has really helped,” said Smith.

“I cannot speak highly enough about how good Ben Clarkson has been for me and how much he’s helped me too.

“Mark Oxley has been brilliant as well and the surgeon who did my operation was the same one who operated on his elbow.

“He’s helped massively and so have Lee Harrison and Nathan Bishop and many others have been a big help too.”

But Smith also felt he was also helped by not ever knowing he would be out for so long.

“When it first happened I thought I was only ever four weeks away from coming back,” said the custodian.

“It was only when I had the operation I knew I would be out for six months but I’m just so glad to be back.

“Now I’ll be looking to build on this but I’m not sure when my next game will be.”

The Shrimpers also included the fit-again midfielder Luke Hyam in their starting line-up against the Hatters.

Hyam - who had been out with an ankle problem since August - played an hour of the game which saw Tom Clifford, Isaac Hutchinson and substitute Norman Wabo all net for Blues.

The Hatters included ex Shrimpers midfielder Alan McCormack in their team.

Southend United: Smith, Howard, Curran, Kyprianou, Clifford, Kinali, Batlokwa, Hyam, Hutchinson, Phillips, Ba.