DOUGIE Freedman could finally return for Southend United this Saturday.

The striker has not featured for the Shrimpers since suffering a thigh injury against Leyton Orient in late September.

But he featured in a practice match at the club’s training ground on Tuesday.

And the experienced Scotsman is keen to comeback this weekend as Huddersfield Town visit Roots Hall.

“We will take another look at it today but I feel fine at the moment and think I could play this weekend,” Freedman told the Echo.

“We played three periods of 25 minutes in a mixed match against ourselves and I played all of them.

“I’ve come through it with no problems at all apart from being a little bit sore and stiff which is to be expected.

“Personally I would like to be involved against Huddersfield but it’s going to be up to the manager.

“I know he can be quite cautious about these things because he doesn’t want players rushing back but I do feel ready to return now which is great because it’s been a very frustrating time for me.”

Freedman, 34, scored four goals in four games before hobbling off against the O’s.

But a return this weekend would provide a timely boost for manager Steve Tilson who has seen his side go five league games without a win.

Subsequently, the Seasiders have slipped to the 11th in the League One standings.

And Freedman knows the team need a good result this weekend.

“If you want to finish in the top six like we do then you have to win your home games,” he said.

“That’s something we need to do, starting from Saturday hopefully.

“It’s a big game with Huddersfield being just below us in the table and we know that we need a result.”

Blues also hope to be boosted by the return of Lee Barnard this weekend.

The Shrimpers top scorer has not played since mid-October due to a hamstring injury.

>BLUES have now sold 3, 500 tickets for next month’s FA Cup clash at Chelsea.

That means the upper tier of the Shed End is now sold out.

>SHRIMPERS boss Steve Tilson is continuing his search for a new head scout.

The club are seeking a replacement for Dean Austin who left to become assistant manager at Watford.

And Tilson has confirmed good progress is now being made.

“It’s coming along and we will soon be starting the interviews for the position,” he said.