SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell heaped praise on Lewis Gard after the fit again midfielder made a goalscoring return to action.

The 20-year-old sustained a serious cruciate ligament injury against Colchester United back in October 2018.

But, after working his way back to full fitness, Gard scored on his first game back against Oxford United this afternoon.

And Campbell was pleased to see the youngster impress at the Kassam Stadium.

“It was pleasing for Lewis to get on the pitch and play football again after a long time out,” said Campbell.

“It was his full debut as well as being his first game back and he’s topped it off with a goal.

“His retention of the ball was also good and I thought he played well.”