SOUTHEND United have been given permission to add skipper Nathan Ralph back into their squad.

The Shrimpers remain under a transfer embargo and are therefore restricted in the number of players they are allowed to register.

Brooklyn Kabongolo was initially brought into the squad in place of Ralph when he injured his ankle back in September.

And Blues were denied permission to add Ralph back into their squad for Tuesday night’s clash with Ebbsfleet United unless Kabongolo was de-registered.

However, the National League have now allowed Ralph to return for the Shrimpers and he starts this afternoon’s clash at Boreham Wood.

“We’ve been allowed to replace Jason Demetriou with Ralphy,” confirmed Maher.

“He’s in the squad and he starts today.

“Brook has done ever so well but it would’ve been a third game in a week for him so we’ve gone for Ralphy who gives us that balance on the left hand side too.

“Brook is on the bench.”