LONG-SERVING Southend United defender John White is determined to make up for lost-time after coming back from an ‘absolute lifetime’ on the sidelines.

White spent two months out of action with a hamstring problem before returning to League Two action for Saturday’s 1-0 win at Walsall.

And the 34-year-old is delighted to finally be playing again.

“It felt like I was out for an absolute lifetime,” said White.

“It’s so good to be back out there and to be able to have a direct influence on things.

“I get more nervous watching than playing because when you’re out there you’re focused on doing your job and helping those around you but when you’re on the sidelines it’s hard to have that proper impact.

“It’s been frustrating and I’ve been so frustrated personally too but fingers crossed it’s the start of better things to come for everyone involved.”

White suffered two hamstring problems and then a slight issue with his back before being able to get back on the pitch.

And he was thrilled to be able to help Blues pick up their first win of the season with a hard-fought success against the Saddlers.

“It was massive to get the three points and the clean sheet but we don’t really care how we get the points at the moment as long as we do get them,” said White.

“I’d take scrappy 1-0 wins every day of the week right now but hopefully this is the start of more to come.

“ It really doesn’t matter who plays well or who plays where as long as we’re doing what it takes to grind out wins and hopefully, in time, we can put some really strong performances together that warrant big scores.”