Scannell: Might be called 'Dad' as the reserves call up the kids
Blues winger Damian Scannell is in the side for today's reserve team game at London Road, which he hopes will see the end of the fitness programme which he's been working on for the past 10 days.
Scannell told the Echo: "I've basically been having my own mini pre-season and have been doing loads of running. I've been doing that most days and have also been coming in when the lads have been at their games. After my injuries I think this was certainly something that I needed to do and we will find out today what kind of shape I'm now in. Hopefully I'll be much fitter and I'll be ready to join back in with training and then also be available for the first team."
It's certainly been an injury-plagued season for Scannell with the ankle first showing problems at pre-season training in July.
This has been frustrating for players and supporters alike as many Shrimpers were hoping would be his break through season
Damien continued: "It's been frustrating for me but the ankle is getting better every day now. Hopefully this will be the end of my problems and I'm really looking forward to the game at Peterborough. Touch wood, my season can really get going now."
The former Eastleigh man is a senior face in a team of youngsters to face the Posh this afternoon.
Ian Joyce, Johnny Herd and Stuart O'Keefe join him from the senior squad.
Petreborough have announced that goalkeeper James McKown, Dean Keates, Krystian Pearce, Jamie Day and Shaun Batt will be involved.
Southend United: Joyce, Dennis, Clayton, Whittaker, Herd, Okai, O'Keefe, James-Lewis, Scannell, Calver, Asante.
Subs: Crawford, Milner, Owinja, Dunn, Osifuwa.