SOUTHEND United defender Harry Kyprianou is pleased with the progress he is making from injury.

The 22-year-old has been out since November after rupturing his Achilles in a 2-1 defeat at AFC Wimbledon.

But Kyprianou is remaining positive as he bids to regain full fitness.

“The injury is progressing well, as it has done for the duration of the time I’ve been out,” said Kyprianou, who has played at left-back and centre-back for the Shrimpers.

“Progress has been consistent throughout so it’s been nice to be able to take positives from the small steps made.

“From non weight bearing work to partial, then walking and so on and I think that is essential to keeping positive for injuries of this severity and length.

“It’s been tough at times and after the operation I was pretty much bed bound for two weeks so that wasn’t easy.

“But not too far after that we started with the rehabilitation and working towards a full recovery.”

Kyprianou is not the only Blues player working his way back from a serious injury.

And the former Cyprus under-21 international has been helped by those around him in the treatment room.

“Unfortunately for the club and us as players, I’ve not been the only one dealing with a longer term injury,” said Kyprianou.

“But having Cokes (Ben Coker), Hops (Tom Hopper), Lew (Lewis Gard) and (Sam) Barratt on a similar journey to myself has provided good support.

“I also think we’ve all helped each other get through the tough days when they have come.

“Rehab has gone well but of course there have been frustrating days here and there and we’ve all been able to help each other.

“But on the whole it’s been positive.”

However, Kyprianou will be having very little time off this summer.

“I’ll be in throughout all of the off-season period other than a few days away,” confirmed the defender.

“It needs to be done and we all have to keep putting the work in to get back playing.”

Kyprianou has been with Blues since September 2015 after leaving Watford.

He has made 24 appearances for the first team and has scored three goals.