SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is certain goalkeeper Steve Arnold will be up to speed by the start of the National League season.

Arnold endured a difficult evening between the sticks against Brentford after recovering from coronavirus.

But Brown is backing the shot-stopper to soon be back to his best.

“I fully expect Steve to be up to speed come the 21st,” said Brown.

“He wasn’t given some of the best back-passes in the world and one or two of the decisions he made were ring-rusty as well but he will come good, there’s no doubt about it.

“He has the experience but Harry Seaden is putting him under pressure.”