SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher is hopeful Matt Dennis will soon be back in action.

The on loan Norwich City youngster, who has scored four goals in his last six games, was forced to miss Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Aldershot Town with a hamstring problem.

But Maher feels Dennis could be fit enough to feature at Dover Athletic this weekend.

"Hopefully it’s not too bad," said Maher.

"We’ll be back training on Thursday and we’ll see then where he’s at for the weekend.

"It wasn’t too bad but I wouldn’t risk it.

"Hopefully he will be ready for Saturday but if not we’ll address that."