SOUTHEND United defender Jason Demetriou feels he is not far off making a first team return.

The experienced right-back played 56 minutes in the Shrimpers’ under 23 side’s 4-1 win against Fleetwood Town in a Premier League Cup qualifier at Roots Hall this afternoon.

And Demetriou is ready to push things on.

“My knee feels good and it feels better than when I came back last time,” said the 31-year-old.

“It was my fault but I feel as though I rushed things a bit because of the situation we were in and I was desperate to help.

“This time though I’ve taken my time and my knee is really good so it was good to be back out there again.

“I certainly feel as though I can push on.

Demetriou – who has been sidelined since April – set up the Shrimpers first goal for Emile Acquah.

And he hopes to be back in action at Roots Hall for the Carabao Cup clash with MK Dons on Tuesday night.

“I’m not sure what will happen now but there’s a cup game on Tuesday and it would be good to get some minutes in that if possible,” said Demetriou.

“I spoke to the manager and the physio and we felt it was sensible to get some minutes in a game like this first and I was happy with how it went.

“When you’re injured you can feel a bit helpless so it was good to get myself ready for a game again and hopefully I’ll be back out there again soon.”