JASON Demetriou is ready to return for Southend United.

The Shrimpers right-back has been sidelined with a knee injury since November.

But the 31-year-old has now resumed full training and feels he is fit enough to face Blackpool this weekend if required.

“I’m buzzing to be back out there with the boys and as long as training keeps going well for the rest of the week then I’m hoping to be available for Saturday’s game at Blackpool,” said Demetriou.

“It’s a busy few days coming up with us playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday but now is the time for us all to come together because we need to get more points on the board.

“I want to be helping either from the bench or whatever.

“But it’s obviously up to the manager what happens.”

Demetriou resumed full training on Saturday with those not involved in the match against Barnsley.

And, despite having not played any kind of clash since limping off against Scunthorpe United, Demetriou still feels in good enough shape to return.

“I’ve still been doing a lot of fitness work while I’ve been out injured and I’m experienced enough to be able to get through matches,” said Demetriou.

“I just think we all need to step up now so I want to be involved and I don’t think not having played a reserve game will matter too much.

“I’ll obviously get sharper the more minutes I have but I’ve felt good in training and want to be back out there.”

Demetriou, who has been replaced by Elvis Bwomono in the starting line-up, has missed the last 18 matches for the Shrimpers.

And the Cyprus international initially expected to return far sooner.

“To start off with we thought it would be six to eight weeks but I had a couple of setbacks,” said Demetriou.

“I’ve had to have a couple of injections but everything feels good again now.

“It’s an important time for the team and we have to start getting points.”

Blues, who are 13th in the League One standings, have gone seven games without a win and sit four points above the relegation zone ahead of Saturday’s trip to 10th placed Blackpool.