SOUTHEND United midfielder Will Atkinson is pushing for his first start since returning to the Shrimpers.

Atkinson came off the bench against Halifax Town on Saturday.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is now considering calling on the 32-year-old against Aldershot Town on Tuesday night.

“There are one or two we’re looking at and I’m hoping Will Atkinson will be good enough to start,” said Brown.

“I just want the right attitude.

“If that sacrifices a bit of quality every so often I think most managers would go for that.

“I’ll be putting a team out that will have the right attitude to try and win the game against Aldershot.”

Goalkeeper Steve Arnold missed Saturday’s defeat with a dislocated finger but has since returned to training and is rated 50/50 to return against Aldershot.

Midfielder Abu Ogogo, who has missed the last three games with a hamstring problem, is also rated 50/50.

Left-back Tom Clifford is still missing with an ankle injury.