SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell praised the performance of Harry Lennon after deciding to bring the defender back in from the cold.

Lennon had not been called upon since appearing in a controversial social media recording which followed Blues’ FA Cup defeat at Dover Athletic last month.

But, after a spell training with the under 23s, Lennon returned to training with the first team last week.

And Campbell also opted to bring him back into the starting line-up for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Rotherham United at Roots Hall.

“I feel Harry’s an experienced player and he’s served his disciplinary period now too,” said Campbell.

“He’s a top lad who wants to play football and he wants to kick on.

“He made some good tackles out there, he read the game well and he won headers at the back post too.”

Lennon lined up at left-back for the Shrimpers having issued a public apology on the eve of the League One clash.