Harry Lennon back in first-team fold at Southend

Posted Thursday, December 12, 2019 by PA

Southend manager Sol Campbell has revealed that defender Harry Lennon is back in contention for the Sky Bet League One game against Rotherham.

Lennon has spent a month training with the Shrimpers’ Under-23 side following his involvement in a controversial social media recording in the aftermath of a shock FA Cup defeat to National League side Dover.

Second-bottom Southend are currently short in defence with Nathan Ralph (dislocated shoulder), Joe Shaughnessy (knee), Harry Kyprianou (Achilles) and John White (broken arm) all unavailable.

Teenager Richard Taylor has started three of the last four games filling in for Ralph but could make way for Lennon against the Millers, while striker Tom Hopper is a doubt due to a deep cut on his ankle.

Rotherham defender Billy Jones (hamstring) remains sidelined until the end of the year.

Richard Wood (hamstring) is unavailable but Shaun MacDonald may be back in contention after a virus.

Versatile defender Trevor Clarke (ankle) was withdrawn from the FA Cup win at Solihull Moors and was on the bench for the defeat by Rochdale but could make the step up.

Left-back Joe Mattock shrugged off a back problem to face Dale and looks set to retain his place.