SOUTHEND United defender Harry Lennon expects to be back in action at the start of October.

The centre-back has been sidelined since the opening day of the season when he fractured a toe during the 3-2 defeat against Doncaster Rovers.

But the 23-year-old is now nearing a return.

“I’m stepping things up and hopefully I’ll be fit to play at the start of October,” said Lennon.

“It’s been a frustrating time for me because pre-season had gone well and I had settled in well at a new club too.

“I had got myself into the starting line-up which was pleasing as well but these things happen in football.

“It’s obviously extremely frustrating but there are still plenty of games left and hopefully I can play a part in them.”

Lennon fractured the big toe on his left foot following a challenge at the start of the second half.

But he is now making good progress.

“I’ll be training outside again on Saturday and I feel like I’m getting close now,” said Lennon, who joined Blues from Charlton Athletic in the summer.

“When it first happened I was told it would be six to eight weeks before I was back and I think we’re at six-and-a-half now.

“I had to wear a big boot for the first four weeks and after that you have to get the foot moving again which is what we’ve been doing.”

However, Lennon found it hard to walk after picking up the injury.

“When the injury first happened I couldn’t walk on it and I never realised just how much your toe can affect,” said Lennon.

“If it had been any other toe I think I would probably have been back by now.

“But although I obviously want to get out there as quickly as possible and play as much as I can I have to be sensible about it too.

“I don’t want to come back too soon, make the injury worse and then spend even longer out.

“But I shouldn’t be out for much longer.”

Once he has regained full fitness, Lennon will battle with John White and Michael Turner for a place at the heart of the back four along with Taylor Moore, who joined the Shrimpers on loan from Bristol City.

However, fellow defender Rob Kiernan - who has been out of action since August 2017 - still remains sidelined with knee problems.