Goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan is vying for a prolonged run in the Southend side after making his eagerly-anticipated return to action.A back problem has restricted Flahavan to just six appearances this season, but he ended a three-month absence from first-team duty in the FA Cup win over Dagenham at the weekend.

And the 29-year-old is now hoping to resurrect his Roots Hall career.

"It was obviously nice to be back out there again," said Flahavan.

"Coming back from the injury and not being able to get back in was very frustrating for me. It was one of the worst and hardest spells of my career but you have to take it on the chin and remain professional."

He added to the Southend Echo: "That's what I did and now an opportunity has come my way I'm hoping to do well and stay in the side."

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