Southend United striker Harry Cardwell staying patient on his return

But the fit-again forward is remaining patient in his bid to secure a place in the starting line-up.

Cardwell – who had been out of action since May with an ankle injury – has come off the bench in the Shrimpers’ last two matches.

However, the 26-year-old knows it will take time for him to regain his best form and fitness.

“I’m buzzing to be back,” said Cardwell.

“It’s been a long six months of working in the gym and doing a lot of rehab to get my fitness back up.

“I’m very happy to be back on the pitch and to be helping the team but I’ve got to listen to my body as it’s been such a long time on the sidelines.

“It’s going to take time to get back to how I know I can be physically.

“The ankle itself feels fine and, touch wood, I’ve had no problems since I’ve been back.

“I feel strong and I’ve worked very hard with Stef (Russo) and John (Gowens) the physio.”

That work-rate has helped Cardwell work his way back into contention.

And he was pleased to step things up by playing the first half of Tuesday night’s Essex Senior Cup clash against Brentwood Town.

"I was happy to get 45 minutes under my belt but it feels like pre-season for me which is always tough,” said Cardwell.

“That’s how it felt for me but I’ve got the minutes in my legs and want to kick on.

“It’s massively important to get those minutes though.

“You can train as much as you like but it’s just not the same as playing games.

“Physically I’m in a good place and hopefully I can kick on and get my match fitness up in the coming weeks.

“I want to get back to where I know I can be.”

Cardwell started seven games in succession for the Shrimpers before suffering his injury against Weymouth towards the end of last season.

And the setback was initially difficult for the striker to deal with.

“It was tough and for the first few weeks you’re getting your head around it,” said Cardwell.

“It was quite innocuous against Weymouth and I carried on until half-time.

“I thought, in my head, if I was able to carry on it can’t have been that bad.

“But we got it scanned and it was the worst case scenario."

However, Cardwell showed good character during the long road to recovery.

“Mentally it was tough to begin with but then you have to shift your focus and control what you can control to get back fit," said the forward.

“You want to get in the best shape possible to get back as quickly as you can.

"I feel like I did that and mentally I was quite strong.

"I had a few down days but not many and it’s tough watching the boys on the pitch not being to help."

But Cardwell is now back in the squad and is thrilled to be playing his part.

"The boys are doing unbelievably well," said Cardwell.

"The squad we have is very strong and we know there’s a lot of competition for places in every position.

"I’m happy to add to that and I know it won’t be easy to get my place back in the team.

"I’ll keep working as hard as I can to put my name in the hat for the manager to pick me."

Blues, who are unbeaten in 11 league games, head to Gateshead this weekend.

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