STEVE Arnold will make his first Southend United appearance when the Shrimpers head to Dartford this weekend.

Arnold began training with Blues this week after recovering from coronavirus.

And Southend boss Phil Brown confirmed the summer signing would be in action in his side’s latest pre-season friendly.

“Steve Arnold will get a good 45 minutes under his belt,” said Brown.

“He’s come in and trained very well this week after his negative covid test.

“It will be his first 45 minutes in pre-season and we’re looking at being as strong as we can.”

However, several of the squad will now be playing for longer.

“We’re at the 90 minute stage now and hopefully five or six players will play the whole game,” said Brown.

“But we’re looking at being as strong as we can before we go off to Five Lakes and look to put a team together for the Brentford game.”

Striker Sam Dalby will also be lining up for the Shrimpers for the first time since signing this weekend but centre-back Josh Coulson is not yet ready to be involved.

“He’s still training with the fitness coaches and the physios,” explained Brown.

“A broken little toe doesn’t need treatment really it just wrapping it up and trying to get him out there.

“The fitness coaches are exhausting every supply they possibly can with him.”