SOUTHEND United midfielder Alan McCormack has had an injection on a calf injury to speed up his return to action.

The 36-year-old has been out since mid-September.

But Blues boss Mark Molesley has been encouraged to see the Irishman back running.

“Alan McCormack was out jogging yesterday, “said Molesley.

“He’s had a small injection in his calf to help speed that up and hopefully he’s not too far behind John White and Simeon Akinola now.”

Defender White has missed the last 10 games with a hamstring problem while striker Akinola has yet to make his debut after suffering a thigh injury shortly after signing in mid-September.

But Molesley confirmed the duo are now back in light training.

“John White did a little bit of training on Tuesday and Wednesday and had a down day in the gym yesterday,” said Molesley.

“We’re hoping to pick his training up on Friday and Saturday and Sim Akinola is the same.

“We will look to pick his training up on Friday and Saturday as well and gradually build up their momentum.

“Hopeully they will be back training fully with the squad next week.”