LIAM Ridgewell and Jason Demetriou will both feature for Southend United’s under-23 side against Fleetwood Town on Friday.

Demetriou has been out since April with a knee problem while summer signing Ridgewell is still working his way back to full fitness after not having a pre-season.

But Blues boss Kevin Bond has confirmed the defensive duo will both start for the Shrimpers in today’s Premier League Cup qualifying clash.

“Liam Ridgewell will play in the game and so will Jason Demetriou,” said Bond.

“It will be fantastic to see them back and getting some game time.

“We may also have another senior player slipping in who we think might need some game time.

"We will have a look.”

Ridgewell started the Shrimpers' 3-1 defeat to Blackpool but found it tough going and was taken off just 52 minutes.

The defender has since undergone a number of training sessions in a bid to regain full fitness.

Tomorrow's game is being held at Roots Hall at starts at 12 noon.