HARRY Lennon and Luke Hyam both returned to action for Southend United at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Lennon replaced Stephen McLaughlin six minutes from time for his first appearance since suffering a broken leg against Walsall in October while Hyam was a late replacement for Michael Klass.

And Powell was pleased to see the duo back on the pitch.

“It was good to have the pair of them back playing again, even if it was just for a few minutes,” said Powell.

“We knew they wanted to counter us so we had to make sure we had solidity and that’s where Harry came on.

“He’s been out for a little while so it was good news to get him out there and it was good for Luke too.”

Hyam had missed the Shrimpers’ last five games with a hamstring problem.

But he only came on after Klass suffered an injury setback of his own.

“I would’ve actually have kept Michael Klass on but his hamstring tightened up so we had to take him off,” said Powell.

“But it’s obviously good to have Luke back with us after he had been missing for a few games.”

However, the Shrimpers will now be further boosted by the return of midfielder Dru Yearwood.

The 19-year-old has now completed the three match suspension he received for the red card against Charlton Athletic earlier this month.

And, as a result, the youngster will now be free to figure against Barnsley at Roots Hall this weekend in a game which is being shown live on Sky Sports.