SOUTHEND United striker Stephen Humphrys is hoping the uncertainty surrounding the football season can ultimately work in his favour.

The League One season has been halted due to the coronavaris pandemic.

But, despite being concerned by the situation, Humphrys – who is currently sidelined with a broken nose – is keen to try and remain upbeat.

“It’s very strange at the moment and it’s been a difficult few weeks for everyone in football but for me I’m trying to see it as extra time to get fit while there are no games,” said Humphrys.

“Hopefully I can be in contention to play the majority of the remaining games now.”

Humphrys broke his nose during Blues’ 3-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers at the end of January.

And he has since been forced to undergo surgery.

“I had a broken nose and a quite badly deviated septum,” said Humphrys.

“It stopped me breathing completely.

“I had some bones floating around my nose which made it quite dangerous to play with.

“The surgery was quite difficult too.

“We thought it would take one hour but it ended up taking three.”

Humphrys also suffered serious facial injuries last season, breaking 15 bones when heading home against Accrington Stanley.

And his latest surgery also saw rib cartilage used to strengthen his nose.

“My nose was so bashed in that one side had completely collapsed,” said Humphrys.

“My previous surgeon took all my cartilage out and built my nose up on scar tissue so my new surgeon had to use rib cartilage and put it in my nose so that it won’t collapse again.”

But Humphrys is now targeting a return to action.

“I won’t be allowed to play full contact football until six weeks post op,” said the 22-year-old.

“I wasn’t allowed to do any exercise for three weeks post op but I’ve started exercising now and I’ve been working hard.

“Hopefully by the time we return to training I should be close to being fit to play.”