SOUTHEND United striker Callum Powell is stepping up his return from a knee injury.

The 28-year-old forward has been sidelined since the end of September.

But Powell has now resumed running and hopes to be back playing before the end of the season.

“I’m ahead of schedule and touch wood that can continue,” said Powell.

“I’ve been back to see the specialist and I’m at the return to play phase now which means I’m back running and able to change direction when doing so.

“Ball work will start at the end of this week or next and it’s great to see that light at the end of the tunnel now.

“You don’t like to set too many targets as it can put pressure on yourself but hopefully this phase will be around a month and then I’ll be ready to join back in with training.

“The plan is definitely to be back playing before the end of the season but we obviously need to see how I react to everything first.”

Powell has been praised by those around him for his work-rate during rehabilitation.

And he has been further boosted by being back outside.

“I was so excited when I started running again, I was like a kid in a sweet-shop,” said Powell.

“I could hear John Gowens shouting for me to slow down and that I was going too fast but I was just so happy because it’s been hard work to even get back to doing that.

“It’s daunting and repetitive and you know it will take time so it’s great when you see progress.”

Powell is now back with Blues at Boots & Laces but he has also been boosted by spending time at the National Football Centre at St. George’s Park.

“It was fantastic there and the facilities are first class,” said Powell.

“You have intensive treatment for a week and it was brilliant.

“I’ll be going back when the return to play phase is finished too but everyone is really pleased with my progress.

“I was lucky I didn’t need an operation but the conservative approach seems to have done the same as having the surgery which is good news.”