SOUTHEND United winger Jack Bridge is closing in on a return from a knee injury.

Bridge has been out since mid-November having undergone surgery to cure the problem.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher is hopeful Bridge will be back in action next month.

“Jack’s making good progress now and he’s back out running which has been great to see,” said Maher.

“We won’t be taking any risks with him but he should be back next month and it will be great to have him available again.”

Bridge returned to Roots Hall for a second spell in the summer and has scored once in 15 appearances so far this season.