JASON Demetriou is confident he will soon be ready to return for Southend United, just weeks after fearing for his future in football.

The experienced midfielder has to carefully manage an ongoing knee problem.

But the 32-year-old believes an injection has now helped him edge closer to a return.

“The knee has taken really well to the injection, I’m feeling good and hope to be available in the next couple of weeks,” said Demetriou.

“I saw the specialist and it was all really positive.

“I was a bit worried before seeing him and thought I might have to call it a day because my knee had just swollen up from nowhere again.

“But he explained it was just because I had gone from zero to 100 in a short space of time and would be fine to continue for another couple of years.”

And Demetriou was also keen to praise Blues boss Mark Molesley for his understanding of a potentially difficult situation.

“The manager understands my situation and he’s been brilliant to me,” said Demetriou.

“I was available for most games last season and I’m confident I can be again this year once I get back into a routine.

“I can’t wait to be back and hopefully it won’t be too long now.”