SOUTHEND United midfielder Lewis Gard will end 16 months of injury frustration tomorrow.

The 20-year-old has been out of action since October 2018 after suffering a serious cruciate ligament in Blues’ 2-0 defeat at Colchester United in Football League Trophy.

But Gard is now back in full training and will feature for the under 23 side against AFC Wimbledon at Boots & Laces tomorrow, much to the delight of coach Craig Fagan.

“It’s great to have had Lewis back in training with us and he will get some minutes in the game we have against AFC Wimbledon which is fantastic as well,” said Fagan.

“I remember Lewis from when I was here before working with the under 16s and he’s a very talented lad.

“He has good quality on the ball and he offers us something different so it’s great to see him back after so long out.

“He’s looked bright but it’s been tough for him as well, like you would expect.

“He’s been a little bit leggy at times and it’s probably been a shock to his system because training with the group is completely different to any kind of work you can do on your own.”

Gard, who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall, has now been back in training for three weeks.

And the midfielder is now ready to step up his return.

“Lewis needs minutes now so he will get them about Wimbledon,” said Fagan.

“We will be sensible with him and we’re not going to rush anything with him.

“He won’t be playing 90 minutes and we’ll be taking things slowly after so long out.

“But it’s good news to have him back and you can certainly see how enthusiastic Lewis is to be involved again as well.”

However, Gard will be making his come back in a young Shrimpers side.

“We will have a lot of the under 23s going with the first team to Peterborough and that’s great so we will have a lot of under 18s in the squad,” said Fagan.

“It’s an opportunity for them and if they play well they will keep the shirt and stay in the side no matter who is available next time.

"That’s the way it has to be and it’s a chance for the younger plays to show what they can do.”