MICHAEL Klass has returned to Southend United after finishing his loan spell with Bromley.

The 20-year-old midfielder made 17 appearances while with the Kent club in the National League.

But Blues’ head of academy Ricky Duncan confirmed Klass has returned to Roots Hall.

“We’ve decided to recall Michael from Bromley,” said Duncan.

“Ideally we would have liked Michael to have played more matches there but it’s still been a really good experience there.

“Sometimes loan spells aren’t just about the games.

“It’s been good for Michael to be in and around that first team environment, week in, week out.

“He’s got used to that now, he’s been with the senior team, he’s travelled to games and he’s seen the importance of playing for three points.

“It’s been good for him but we spoke to Michael and the manager of Bromley (Neil Smith) and we just decided it was best for everyone for Michael to come back to us at this stage.”

Klass joined the Shrimpers in the summer of 2017 after leaving Queens Park Rangers and has made 15 first team appearances while at Roots Hall.

But it has yet to decided what Klass will do next.

“Michael is training with us and hopefully he can kick on and push his way into contention for the first team,” said Duncan.

“There’s a chance he might go out on loan again but we’ll have to wait and see.

“But you can definitely tell that Michael has benefitted from this loan spell.

“He seems more mature and he understands the situation.

“There’s never been any doubting his ability and he’s got a great stature but it was more about his mentality.

“That was one of the reasons for the loan and I’m sure it’s done him the world of good.”

Klass has yet to make an appearance for the Shrimpers this season but Sol Campbell currently finds himself short of options in the centre of the park.

Sam Mantom, Mark Milligan and Isaac Hutchinson are the only natural midfielders available at this stage but Jason Demetriou - who is normally a right-back - has also featured in that area.