SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell feels there is still time for Stephen Hendrie to get more matches with Motherwell.

The Shrimpers left-back has made just one appearance since returning to the Scottish Premiership on loan.

But Powell is still hopeful Hendrie will be get the games he needs after reluctantly allowing him to leave on a temporary basis.

“I was a little bit nervous about doing the loan because it left me with just Ben Coker as a left-back,” said Powell.

“Back then I had just come in.

“I had a game to contend with, a new group to contend with and the transfer window too.

“Stephen felt he hadn’t played enough this year and he wanted to be playing.

“He wanted the chance to play in a league and country he obviously knows well.

“I wanted to be fair to him and he was happy to go but he hasn’t played much. “ Hendrie had made 15 appearances for the Shrimpers before joining Motherwell on loan for the remainder of the season.

And Powell feels he could still be working his way up to full fitness.

“Sometimes when you haven’t played down here you’re not up to speed,” said Powell.

“Maybe they’re working on him with regards to fitness.

“There are still a lot of games to be played and maybe he might get some minutes, we will have to wait and see.

“As I said to him, you’re our player so get yourself playing and do your best up there because come the summer I have decisions to be made.”