SOUTHEND United right-wing back Gus Scott-Morriss is back running but will not feature against Darlington this weekend.

Scott-Morriss has missed Blues’ last three games after his appendix removed.

And Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher confirmed Scott-Morriss is now stepping up his return to action.

“Gus has been back running on the grass with the physio and Stef (Russo),” said Maher.

“He’s doing OK to be fair to him and it was keyhole surgery he had which helps.”

Goalkeepers Steve Arnold (hip) and Collin Andeng Ndi (hamstring) are both still sidelined.

The duo trained on the pitch ahead of Saturday’s 3-0 win against Solihull Moors and are also starting to edge closer to coming back.

But Maher does not feel a return is imminent for either shot-stopper.

“There’s still a way to go and Collin is probably a bit ahead of Arnie,” said Maher.

“Arnie is seeing a specialist today just to check where he is strength wise and we will have more news on what he can do moving forward from that too.

“Collin will push on again next week and fingers crossed they can both make good progress.”

Striker Jake Hyde – who has been out since late October with a hamstring problem – will also be missing again this weekend.

But the forward joined in with some of Thursday’s training session at Boots & Laces.

“Hydey dipped into a bit of training with us which is pleasing,” said Maher.

“He will need to train more before being ready for selection.”

However, Dan Mooney is still not ready to return to training.

“Moons hasn’t been able to train yet and he’s still got some swelling on his knee,” said Maher.

“We’re trying to make sure that goes down before he’s back in team training.”