ROB Kiernan ended 18 months of injury heartache for Southend United this afternoon. 

The centre-back, who had been out of action since August 2017, with knee problems, played the first half in Blues’ under 23 team’s 3-2 win at MK Dons.

And Shrimpers coach Kevin Maher was pleased to see the defender in action.

“Rob played the first half and he was a really good voice back there,” said Maher.

“He was a big help for the younger players in the team and helped us get a good win.”

Kiernan partnered Harry Lennon at the heart of the back four.

Lennon had been out of action since October when he broke his leg during Blues’ 3-0 win against Walsall at Roots Hall.

But the defender played an hour against the Dons.