SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hopes to have both Alan McCormack and John White back for Saturday’s clash at Exeter City.

McCormack has missed Blues’ last two games with a calf problem while White has sat out the last three with another arm injury.

But Brown is keen to have the experienced duo available again at the weekend.

“Both of them have applied themselves in training this week and fingers crossed they will be somewhere near it for the weekend,” said Brown.

“I can’t definitely say they will be playing at the moment but they will certainly play some part in the squad and they will be travelling.

“I need their influence on and off the field of play and I would dearly have loved them out there against Crawley Town.”

However, both players have now returned to training.

“Alan has applied himself and he’s put his hat in the ring for the game on Saturday,” said Brown.

“John has been training too and the players have been getting physical with him.

“He’s been through three or four sessions this week and he’s come through them with flying colours so fingers crossed if he will be able to start on Saturday if selected.”